- Release date:
- July 22, 2008
- Artist/Band name:
- Paul Weller
- Record label:
- Yep Roc
- Official Web Site:
- http://www.paulweller.com/
Backstory: As "The Modfather," Paul Weller and his band the Jam helped launch New Wave in the '70s and revitalize Britain’s skinny-tied mod scene. After six years of critically acclaimed, chart-busting dance parties, the Jam folded on the high note of "Beat Surrender" and Weller moved onto the more accessible Style Council, which met with mixed reactions from the Jam faithful but nevertheless crossed over just fine, thanks. Style Council soon folded as well, as its architect launched a more lauded solo career in 1992 and released nine successful efforts, including this grab-bag of 21 songs featuring a stable of high-profile collaborators.
Why you should care: Weller has straddled the borders between pop, soul and rock without really stumbling, becoming one of the U.K.'s most influential artists in the process. Without his work in the Jam and Style Council, everyone from Oasis to Ocean Colour Scene would have gone hungry.
Verdict: "22 Dreams" is 21 tracks (why only 21? who knows?) of multi-hued, radio-friendly, mature songcraft. Its expansiveness could easily be mistaken for schizophrenia, were it not for the anchor of Weller's graveled, earnest voice behind each sonic adventure. The sparse, brooding acoustic guitar of the opener "Light Nights" is as compelling as the Barry White-disco of "Empty Ring" is disposable. The title track is a throwback to the horn-fueled, guitar-charged parties of the Jam, but the lonely piano of "Invisible" could easily be mistaken for Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful." Weller is all over the place here, but that is his gift: he's always worn many hats. And who are we to tell him he should throw any of them away?
X-Factor: Among the A-list collaborators on “22 Dreams”: Oasis’ Noel Gallagher and Gem Archer, Blur’s Graham Coxon and Ocean Colour Scene’s Steve Craddock.
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