47 years after The Jam's debut and 20 solo albums later, Paul Weller, about to turn 66, has delivered "66," and it is arguably the finest set of songs of his career. It certainly is the most consistent.
If you had asked me what my favorite Weller solo album was before "66" was released, I would have said 2020's "On Sunset," without hesitation. But "66" is giving it a run for its money. Weller's solo work tends to try too hard, jumping on every whim and trend, with results that are often uneven. "66" sounds like the record Paul Weller should be making. It is age appropriate, filled with epic melodies and gorgeous arrangements.
"Flying Fish" is absolutely triumphant with a stunning melody and rhythm that feels almost like a disco anthem. Think "I Will Survive" in all the best ways. "Jumble Queen," the Noel Gallagher co-write, is a subtle glam stomper that never goes overboard. Both the opener "Ship Of Fools" and Side Two's opener "I Woke Up" are lovely acoustic tracks that Weller sings perfectly, never sounding forced, or as I said earlier, like he's trying too hard.
Honestly, even the two tracks that didn't slay me on first pass, "Sleepy Hollow" and the album's closer "Burn Out" both felt just right by the second and third pass. There is a lot of space in the grooves of "66." Records like "Wake Up The Nation," "Sonik Kicks," "22 Dreams,"and "Fat Pop" are filled with great music, but too often the frenetic production and instrumentation bogs those LPs down. I don't feel that on "66." There is clarity in both the way Weller sings and the music he is singing to. This record has a soul.
I bemoan the lost art of record making way too often. Playlists and sampling are fine from time to time, especially with genres that aren't necessarily in your wheelhouse. But if you have ever been a fan of Paul Weller, either with The Jam or The Style Council, or his solo work, "66" needs to be taken whole. There are reasons why "Ship of Fools" starts the proceedings and "Burn Out" finishes things up. If you're a fan of Paul Weller, treat yourself to what is one of the best records of the year by sitting down and letting it unfold. A few samples will not do it justice.
(Oh if anyone purchased the 2 CD set with the four bonus tracks, would you be so kind as to send them to me? Thank you, I love you.)
13 comments:
Couldn't agree more! This is a fabulous album.
When I first saw the title of the album, it hoped it wasn't a misplaced new one from Adele :-). Perhaps Mr. Weller is a fan of hers...
I've enjoyed it this both times I've played it and will give it more time to grow on me. I like most of it, but I'd prefer less string arrangements. My favorite solo album of his is still the first self-titled one (the deluxe version with a ton of great b-sides).
- Paul in DK
Really, really looking forward to having time to devote to listening to this as a whole
I admire Paul Weller. Throughout his career, whether it was with The Jam, Style Council, or his solo work, there was always something that would make my ears perk up but I never fully connected for a variety of reasons. On the first listen of "66", I felt the same way, although my ears perked up more than usual. I kept going back, and with each successive listen, I liked it more and more. I got it. There's a cohesion to the album that I'd never experienced with his other work and I think that's what finally got me to buy into it. Lovely melodies and arrangements throughout, with each song in its proper place. I loved it.
Weller has an impressive body of work. This is a good album. But, as of one listening, I wouldn't go so far as calling this his finest effort. I like him with a little more rock edge. This might hold together as an album more successfully than some, however, it could use a bit more energy. A little too sedate at 66.
VR
VR
Aren't we all?
I would not argue that there are better songs on earlier Weller records. But I also wouldn't dismiss that this album "might hold together as an album more successfully than some." That's a big deal in a world of sound bites, samples, and streaming singles dropping like flies every two weeks. A cohesive album is a rarity.
I don't think Weller has convinced with a "rock edge" since The Jam. The fact that it is sedate and that he is using strings and Bacharach horn lines is what really appeals to me. He sounds comfortable.
I love this album. I'm just really digging it. It's an album's album. I just wish that when I was 66, I had felt this complete. It's the real deal. Thank you Mr. Weller.
Hey Sal,
I've listened to the album only once. It didn't blow me out. But a lot of my favorite albums have taken a while for me to warm up to. So, it's not necessarily a bad thing. You know how it is. Sometimes the ones you like instantly don't hold up over time. Other times it's just a reflection of your mood on a particular day.
I think you may have misunderstood what I meant about "rock edge." It was a bad choice of words, I suppose.
Never lose your enthusiasm,
VR
I thought it was a concept album about Carmel Car Service.. I will now listen
Okay, digging that Fish song. To my surprise.
He sounds like Richard Hawley, which isn't a bad thing.
Oh man, LOVE this! Agree above that he sounds like a cross between the great Richard Hawley - and Scott Walker.
Nice review of it too, noting the space in the arrangements. I'm not really a Paul Weller fan per se; I am that 8% of his fanbase that isn't really a Jam or solo Paul fan but 1000% a Style Council fan. And I get some of that vibe from Ship Of Fools.
Thanks a lot for highlighting this, I shall seek it out at my record store.
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