Paul Weller, the Modfather, the ex front man of The Jam and The Style Council and an accomplished solo artist, who has been producing brilliant, inspired music for over 3 decades, since The Jam were formed in 1976, releases his new album, Wake Up The Nation.
This is his 10th solo record, in his 50’s now, Paul still introduces us to another side of himself, he experiments with his music, takes us back to familiar styles used when with The Jam and The Style Council and shows us that he’s still got it.
The album is 16 tracks long, but I can’t help think that this was a mistake; I’m left feeling that less is more after listening to this album. Most tracks fizz and impress, but unfortunately a few disappoint. To be frank, the guy is music royalty who has produced many, many hits over the years so expectations are exceedingly high and a good album from Weller is always going to be slightly disappointing, that said, it’s still a good album, its fresh sounding, crisp, it fuses classic sounds, mod rock, funk, soul and r and b, the simple lyrics are well executed and that’s what Weller does, he does the simple well.
Its brilliant to see an old hand, still trying, still experimenting, not content to roll out a greatest hits and retire, he still pursues musical excellence, simple, metaphoric lyrics, that don’t complicate or confuse, they simply sum up the thoughts of a nation, wake up the nation!
The album starts with Moonshine, it’s a good track, with a rhythm and blues style familiar with an early Weller, the lyrics too are aggressive and sharp, again reminiscent of his early works.
Wake Up The Nation is the title track and it is again reminiscent of early Weller, simple lyrics and a fresh sounding voice.
No Tears To Cry is an ironic title for a track which threatens to bring a tear to the listeners eye, Weller brings sorrow and passion to his voice, like never before, a feat present on a few tracks on this album, which probably has a lot to do with some personal turmoil Paul has had to deal with just of late.
Fast Car/Slow Traffic is upbeat and experimental, its Weller at his funky best, dust of your lambretta, more simple lyrics sung with conviction.
Andromeda is another emotional track, it’s a psychedelic journey of sorrow, which is good listening, but fails to whole heartedly impress.
In Amsterdam is a lazy, instrumental track, which is unfulfilling, for me it is one of the tracks that should not have made it to the album, Wellers power is in his voice and lyrics and his ability to talk to you through his work, this does none of the above.
She Speaks is a dark track, deep and moody instruments play low while Weller sings with unhappy lyrics, it is a good track, showing how he can change moods with his music and it sums up this ability beautifully.
Find The Torch, Burn The Plans is not a great track, but put this on a pub juke box and watch the bar sway and perhaps that’s the problem.
Aim High, does just that. It’s stylish and classy and reminds of the work he did with the Style Council in the 80’s. It’s a track full of soul and it cleverly grabs your attention.
Trees is again experimental, the instruments and vocals fuse several styles unconvincingly and unfortunately it is another track which possibly should have been deleted from the script. It does however show how comfortable Weller is performing different styles, unfortunately together on one track they disappoint.
Grasp & Still Connect shows us more rhythm and blues, soul and funk all mixed up and topped off with his unmistakable style, a track which works well and again shows us his musical roots.
Whatever Next is another instrumental track, a funky rhythm, psychedelic sampling, excited guitar playing and a classical orchestra all thrown into the medley, it blends seamlessly into the next track, which allows forgiveness as otherwise it is another track, lacking any relevance to Weller or this album.
7&3 Is The Strikers Name picks up where the last track left without any gap, its angry instruments are supported by an anger in Wellers chanted lyrics, unfortunately it lacks any real conviction.
Up The Dosage combines a familiar and unfamiliar style of Vocals, sung over the top of playful instruments. It’s another good track, which hints again at work completed earlier in his career.
Pieces Of Dream is another classy track, which has influences from The Style Council thrown in. It’s rhythmic and soulful, but as Weller chants “I can’t put my finger on it” I have to agree as I can’t put my finger on it. Why it’s not quite there, not quite Weller, not quite great.
Two Fat Ladies, is a fast paced track, good swooping, metallic guitar riffs and great, simple lyrics, sung quick and with conviction. It’s what Weller does best and has for years. You can tell he’s enjoying performing this track, he’s smiling trust me, it’s fun, upbeat, not too serious. What a way to end.
All in all then it’s a good album, not a great album, but good none the less, there are tracks which disappoint, there are a few that thrill, Weller fans will love it for its reference to his early work and his experimentation with new, others will enjoy it for its tempo and pace. In my opinion Weller will always slightly disappoint with any new material, because he will never again hit the heights that we know he is capable of and was hitting many years ago. It is a refreshing listen and it stays clear of mainstream, as he always has. There are tracks which are sure to do well and others that will be forgotten, it’s a pretty good album from a class act, not the other way round.
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No Tears To Cry is an ironic title for a track which threatens to bring a tear to the listeners eye, Weller brings sorrow and passion to his voice, like never before, a feat present on a few tracks on this album, which probably has a lot to do with some personal turmoil Paul has had to deal with just of late.
