Customer Reviews

Wild Wood

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've been a Paul Weller fan for years, but for some reason this disc was never one of my favorites in the seven years I've owned it. However, after finally seeing Paul in concert last week (in a stunning solo acoustic set), I've reexamined the PW solo oeuvre and I have to say that this is one of his best. Initially the folky acoustic flavor turned me off back in 1994...I was used to the mod/punk Weller. But Wild Wood truly explores Paul's songwriting depth, and the acoustic touches bring about a tenderness without sacrificing his sharp lyrics and musical urgency. Some of my favorite tracks are "Hung Up," "Sunflower" and "All the Pictures on the Wall."

Paul Weller has released five studio albums, all of them fantastic. If you like this one, chances are you'll like them all.

One of the 90's top CD's. A true must have for any who loves the classic rock sound with many fresh new twists. A disc so good in so many ways. The vocals, lyrics, musical arrangements, and amazing guitar work, give this disc it's truly timeless appeal. Get this CD, and listen to a disc you will cherish for years to come.

If I had to recomend a top 10 albums to have this just might make it. 'Wild Wood' truly got me through. It was 1 of those albums I played over and over exclusivly for several months. Paul job VERY WELL DONE!

In '92, Paul Weller returned to the fray with his excellent eponymous debut solo album. The following year, he treated us to "Wild Wood", his second solo piece. He manages to channel his own influences into what has become an inspirational album for many of his Brit-Pop disciples. The criticisms levelled at the album, (and indeed Weller in general) usually fall along the "wears his influences on his sleeve" lines. To many, it isn't the fact that he credits his influences, more the fact that the results (in Wild Wood) are such a joy to behold. Weller has never been shy to cite artists worthy of his respect, and it seems unfair to penalise him for his honesty.

Wild Wood is an earthy, natural sounding album, with plenty of acoustic work and a few strangle-your-guitar-and-squawk-into-the-microphone moments. The album is enhanced by the understated yet noticeable production techniques of friend and collaborator Brendan Lynch. Weller's voice is by turns warm and gritty as necessary, his guitar style varied and efficient, and his compositions diverse yet cut-from-the-same-cloth. Steve White's punchy drum sound adds much to the album, never intrusive, but always supportive and interesting.

An album which sees Weller's career as a solo artist start to take shape after the fantastic, yet dissimilar first album, Wild Wood deserves a place in any record collection, as an example of a seasoned song-writer in top form.

I recommend the (Japanese) Pony Canyon release "More Wood" which collects b-sides and remixes from the same era, all of which are top-notch, and could have happily nestled in amongst the finalised "Wild Wood" track-listing.

Paul Weller's self titled debut album brought us smooth rhythms, funky bass, Rickenbacker guitar driven songs, and a smooth voice that gave us a nice jazz/funk/rock/soul album. Kiss it goodbye. You gotta hand it to Paul, you never know what he's gonna do next. "Wild Wood", a soaring masterpiece, is kicked off with the head down rocker, "Sunflower", the album's first single. It's a wistful thumping rock song that is rich in guitar hooks. Next Paul tackles religion in the captivating "Can You Heal Us Holy Man?" in which Paul puts a stellar performance, but you're left wondering if Al Green had done it before. Then the man breaks out the acoustic guitar, the soul of this album. Paul makes such use of the acoustic guitar and his cigarette worn voice that you wonder if he's really of this planet. Far too good to be, isn't he? He breaks your heart in the beautiful "All the Pictures on the Wall?", and astounds you with "Country" and "Foot of the Mountain". What's the matter, too much soft stuff? Alright, try the rocking "The Weaver", or the stomping "5th Season." He soars in majestic beauty on "Shadow of the Sun", professes faith and determination in "Has My Fire Really Gone Out?", and churns out a gorgeous ballad with "Moon On Your Pyjamas," which sings of innocence and hope ("I hope the world will heal itself, and warm our souls along with it, so that you get the chance to say that you have seen a brighter day"). The apex however, is the closer, "Hung Up". A song, which Oasis' Noel Gallagher claims to be the best song of the 90s thus far. It's a gorgeous acoustic ballad that builds to a full blown full band extravaganza and recedes within about 3 minutes. It's the perfect closing to a perfect album. This album is spotless, and a vital addition to anyone's CD collection. THIS is what Weller fans have meant by talking about his genius all these years......

"Wild Wood" is both Paul Weller's best recording and the best contemporary take on classic British rock. Elements of Traffic, Small Faces, Beatles, and Stones are all evident and combined to perfection. In short, if you think they stopped making great albums around 1972, pick up this disc!

Every song on this is great. It's definelty my favorite Paul Weller CD, however, all of them are good. This CD is really varied with instrumentals, acoustics etc. Weller also has on board one of my favorite drummers, Steve White. All in all, a classic album.

One does tire of all the 5-star reviews, but this is truly a transcendent piece of work. The Modfather incorporates all the elements that have made his career great--the guitar work of The Jam, the experimentation of The Style Council, the drifting thoughtfulness of his first solo album--with the superior songwriting he's always demonstrated into a Sgt. Pepper moment....Each of PW's solo albums is great listening, but this is career-defining stuff--one of the best albums of the '90s.

Very simple, this is one of the best albums ever recorded and shows the full range of weller's vocals that surpasses anything. I never get tired of it as it always manages to take me away from wherever I am and in my book is faultless.

Although this album moves back and forth between many different styles such as rock ("Sunflower"), folk ("Wild Wood", "Country"), and funk-jazz (the instrumental interludes), the whole thing holds together very well. It's the kind of album I keep returning to over and over (and over). I came to it via my love of soul music, but I can easily see fans of english folk like Nick Drake or John Martin being captivated by Paul Weller's voice and acoustic guitar playing. It has its share of louder, psychedelic-flavored rock songs as well. An album for all tastes.