I
know for a fact that any fan of Paul Weller that pops in a new
record always has a couple fingers crossed that it revisits the
glory years of The Jam. I am just being honest because I always
do that, even though I usually am completely pleased with his
solo efforts – so that reaction is normal.
Now what if I told you his new record 22 Dreams
is a sprawling 21 tracks of Weller that covers a complete catalog
of styles in The Jam, The Style Council, solo work and beyond?
That may have struck your interest, as it should, because 22
Dreams is easily one of Paul Weller’s most adventurous
records that not only brings new ideas to the table but contains
tracks like “Push It Along” that rock out, some more
flowing piano ballads in “Invisible” and then there
are the jazzy dream like tracks “One Bright Star”
that feel experimental but have solid structures.
It also helps that with Weller’s status in
the Brit rock community, he brings in some well known talent on
the record such as Oasis’ Noel Gallagher and Gem Archer,
Blur’s Graham Coxon playing drums, Robert Wyatt and co-producer
Ocean Colour Scene's Steve Cradock. All of these different approaches
and length of the album might scare the average listener but they
really do work together and the transitions are seamless making
the record a complete enjoyment to listen to.
The sheer quality of the music makes you want to
hit repeat and feel pleased about Weller still having the goods
this late in his career!
Aidan
Rox
For more of Aidan Rox's music reviews, check out
The Fire Note
To see a short (7
mins) interview with Paul Weller on making 22 Dreams, click the
play button below
I
know for a fact that any fan of Paul Weller that pops in a new
record always has a couple fingers crossed that it revisits the
glory years of The Jam. I am just being honest because I always
do that, even though I usually am completely pleased with his
solo efforts – so that reaction is normal.