Tracks
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Weller, the mod father has been recreating his sound throughout his career. Yet his sound remains forever him; you can’t mistake that voice. He’s been through the angst of The Jam years, the soulful Style Council years and a solo career that has been, in good measure, biographical, introspective and seriously rocking. Where do you go next when you have been doing it for 40 years? We shall see, because the problem with Weller is, that while you can’t help but be intrigued by his musical steps, he has released some dubious albums amongst the notable quality. So it is always with some trepidation that I press play to listen a new album.
The sound of “Green” is instantly different for Weller relying on some nice electronic sounds that are reminiscent of the better 80’s music. The track is instantly likeable and sets me up for more electronic adventures with the man. But sadly we then drift back into more traditional Weller with only hints of the new elements in the first track. Then out comes the acoustic guitar for “By the Waters” and there it is; the magic. Strings augment the acoustic guitar and Weller’s voice beautifully. “Come down beside the water, sit and rest”, we are urged. “That Dangerous Age” is exceptional Weller and has been an obvious single release.
“Dragonfly” drives along; “When Your Garden’s Overgrown” has shades of the 60’s and a great groove. We’ve gotten to track 10, “Around the Lake”, before things start to fade, which is an achievement. Albums are longer these days. I remember when if you got 10 tracks on an album you’d done well so there is often inevitably some filler. But don’t turn the album of just yet. Make sure you get to the final track, “Be Happy Children”, as it’s a beautiful finale to what may not be Weller’s greatest ever album, but is certainly high in the Weller chart. If you’ve not listened to Weller for a while this is a good point to return to the fold. Keep the faith I think it is appropriate to say at this point.
The sound of “Green” is instantly different for Weller relying on some nice electronic sounds that are reminiscent of the better 80’s music. The track is instantly likeable and sets me up for more electronic adventures with the man. But sadly we then drift back into more traditional Weller with only hints of the new elements in the first track. Then out comes the acoustic guitar for “By the Waters” and there it is; the magic. Strings augment the acoustic guitar and Weller’s voice beautifully. “Come down beside the water, sit and rest”, we are urged. “That Dangerous Age” is exceptional Weller and has been an obvious single release.
“Dragonfly” drives along; “When Your Garden’s Overgrown” has shades of the 60’s and a great groove. We’ve gotten to track 10, “Around the Lake”, before things start to fade, which is an achievement. Albums are longer these days. I remember when if you got 10 tracks on an album you’d done well so there is often inevitably some filler. But don’t turn the album of just yet. Make sure you get to the final track, “Be Happy Children”, as it’s a beautiful finale to what may not be Weller’s greatest ever album, but is certainly high in the Weller chart. If you’ve not listened to Weller for a while this is a good point to return to the fold. Keep the faith I think it is appropriate to say at this point.