Customer Reviews

Paul Weller

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Paul Weller's first solo album feels quite like any of the Style Council's albums- Jazzy cords, funk interludes and romantic themes. In fact, most of the members of Style Council play the music.

It makes sense that Paul Weller "disbanded" the Style Council. Although I believe they were an amazing band, it had definitely run it's course with the final unreleased album of house music that record label refused to release (although you can hear it in it's entirety on the box set). Paul Weller needed to break out of the box he had created with the Style Council- much what he did with The Jam but with a lot less controversy.

"Paul Weller", in some ways is a cathartic album, in that it is him shaking out all the ideas that he wanted to get out on Style Council albums while going into the new direction that he would hit his stride with on his next album Wild Wood.

Song's like Uh-Huh Oh Yeah and Into Tomorrow were definitely new directions for Weller. Earthier, more soul, less polish. While Round & Round, Amongst the Butterflies, Above the Clouds and Remember How We Started fit in with plenty of The Style Council's catalog, there is a an earthiness that wasn't present before which makes for a nice cohesiveness between the old and new styles.

"Paul Weller" is an excellent album; he was on top of his game but in a transitional mode; every song is engaging and moody. This and Wild Wood are excellent solo albums to check out if you are interested in Paul Weller. Also check out The Jam's All Mod Cons and Sound Effects as well as The Style Council's "Introducing..." or just about any of their compilations (but try to find one that has "Heaven's Above").

As the frontman of the punk outfit the Jam and later the blue-eyed soul-tinged Style Council, Paul Weller is one of the most revered musicians in the UK. Yet, his legacy is all but ignored in America, where his biggest splash was the single "Ever Changing Moods" with the Style Council. His solo effort is a fine batch of blue-eyed soul in the tradition of Marvin Gaye and Al Green, and though the album is about a decade old, it's never too late to experience this sadly slept-on disc. "Above the Clouds" has the spirit of 1970's Gaye, while the seductive slow jam "I Didn't Mean to Hurt You" bubbles with energy and sincerity in Weller's voice. This debut swings nicely between rock and soul and is a great introduction to one of Britain's finer talents.

I bought this cd 3 days ago,I wasn't convinced about it because some people here give only 4 stars and here in Spain it's so so expensive,but as I already had Wild Wood and Stanley Road and I loved them I decided to buy it.I have to say that it probably isn't the most comercial but for my taste is the best one(in the musical quality field at least). I'm just now listening to it for 3rd time in a row and I'm enjoin' myself like the first one.This sound is so clear to jazz and soul, it could be the less rock album of PW, but here he achive the highest standard in voice, I didn't know he could sing so good.
So...,here is my advice: if you don't know Paul Weller at all, Will Wood is the best begining; if you only know the last works look a little to the first years, I'm sure you'll feel sorprised; and if you are an "expert", not only about PW, The Jam and Style Council....,about music in general...,don't think for more time, buy this album, it's the best.
Sorry for my english.

Greetings from Andalucia! Luck

It's a shame Paul Weller isn't as well known in the states as he is in England. Ever since I was introduced to his music, I cannot get enough of it. Although, this is not as heavy as his later solo albums, it has some really smashing tracks on it. The two that come to mind at the moment are "Amongst the Butterflies" and "Cosmos" that have some of the most funkiest guitar riffs and trippiest sounds I've heard in a while. The album itself is a mix of rock and funk and he just blends the two together flawlessly. And he has an incredible singing voice to boot. This is a great album to start your collection off with and I advise all you American fans out there, spread the word. Paul Weller is where it's at!

You cannot stare at the sun or count all the stars in the sky. It is easier to find the needle amongst the hay than it is finding words to describe Paul Weller's solo debut album. Seems like yesterday when I bought it in a record shop in OKC. I rushed back to my dorm room and pressed play and all of the sudden new breath escaped my mouth as I hear major seven chords and nothern soul vocals swirl around my eager noggin. I cherished it then but things have changed since. It has been a decade and nothing in my massive collection of music has grown on me quite like this album. The sheer magnitude of musicality still gives me goose bumps. This album is a perfect thing. Each and every track has taken turns being my "all time favorite" and although I must say that "Amongst Butterflies" is probably the one I most admire...you would be hard pressed to find one easily. The quality of each track is amazing. From the heavy 'Into Tomorrow" to the beauty of "I didn't mean to Hurt You". I know a lot of Weller fans praise "Wild Wood" as his classic watershed moment but I will always agree to disagree. As much as I love "Wild Wood"...nothing has a more timeless appeal. I truly love this album and nothing will ever make me change my mind. All I want to do is change yours. Be like the man in the mirror...go ahead, make that change.

Paul Weller was a music legend long before he made this, the very first album that bears his name on the cover. As the lead singer and songwriter of The Jam in the 70s, Paul made some wonderfully tuneful punk a la Clash, with some Kinks influences thrown in for good measure. They were hugely successful in their native UK, but were relegated to cult status here in the States. In the 80s, The Jam broke up and Paul formed the jazzy Style Council, who made some decent albums which unfortunately sound rather dated nowadays. Finally, in 1992, Paul released his first solo album. It's as if all those years of hiding behind band names finally caused him to burst out at the seams with inventive, hooky, wonderful music. The best way to describe this music is retro-folky funk. Paul's husky, soulful voice complements the terrific songs. The highlights include "Bull Rush," "Uh Huh Oh Yeah" and the beautiful, tender "Above the Clouds." It's the beginning of yet another exciting chapter in the career of Paul Weller. Essential!

"When you wake to find that everything has left you and the clothes you wear belong to someone else..." - Just one of the great lyrics on this soulful, soul-searching recording.

This is one of my top ten CDs. The music is reminiscent of Innervisions by Stevie Wonder and classic Traffic (as well as Marvin Gaye). Above The Clouds is straight out of a dream... excellent. Throw in a little of the Who's Magic Bus and you have one of the most complete CDs ever made. It honors the past while boldly heading Into Tomorrow.

[DW]

The first time I heard this CD I was blown away. There is a great mix of music on this disc from soulful rock tunes to trippy interludes. This is a must have for music fans. Songs like "I didn't mean to hurt you" and "bitterness rising" show you what a great talent Paul Weller is. Paul integrates many different instruments like percussion, flutes, and guitars to make this magical sound. Put it into your CD player - kick back - and burn a fatty!!! Enjoy!!!

The magic of The Jam and Style Council was not lost on Weller for his first solo effort. The sweet airy sounds of "Round and Round", the personal and uplifting "Bull Rush" and the funky "Kosmos" are not to be missed.

This album provides the prefect soundtrack for a sunny day driving with the convertable top down.

This disc came across my desk in '92 when I was writing reviews for my college newspaper, and I am quite honest when I say that it rarely leaves the immediate area of my CD player-- in fact it's in it right now! Weller's first solo disc is an exciting blend of soul and jazz that takes you on a different trip each listen. His effective mix of laid-back acid grooves with soulful vocal treatments is at its best on "Above the Clouds". The only thing that keeps this record from hitting 5 stars is his outstanding follow-up release, "Wild Wood", which reduces this debut to a stepping stone you must use to get to the next level. But this one is still essential!