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ILLUMINATION
Paul Weller
(Yep Roc Records)
The former leader of The Jam and Style Council has finally seen the light. While continuing to mine stripped-down singer-songwriter territory on his latest effort -- a logical followup to 2000's Heliocentric -- Paul Weller turns out some truly memorable, still-vital music on his sixth solo album.
For example, Weller stirs the political pot on the rambling, psych-folk-rock tune A Bullet For Everyone as he sings: "And they say there's no provisions, there's not enough to go around / But when it comes to the gun, there's a bullet for everyone."
But the main focus this time seems to be on sound experimentation -- check out the trippy Spring (At Last) -- sweet melodies, and heartfelt lyrics.
Highlights are the melodic pop of Leafy Mysteries and It's Written In The Stars, the bluesy/soul-infused midtempos One X One, Bag Man, All Good Books and Standing Out In The Universe, and the acoustic ballads Who Brings Joy, Now The Night Is Here and the title track.
Meanwhile, guests include multi-instrumentalists Noel Gallagher and guitarist Gem Archer of Oasis, who play on One X One; Stereophonics' frontman Kelly Jones, who provides the bluesy rocker Call Me No. 5 while trading verses with Weller; and Ocean Colour Scene bassist Damon Minchella and guitarist Steve Cradock who play throughout. (More on Paul Weller)
Track Listing
1. Going Places
2. A Bullet For Everyone
3. Leafy Mysteries
4. Its Written In The Stars
5. Who Brings Joy
6. Now The Night Is Here
7. Spring (At Last)
8. One x One
9. Bag Man
10. All Good Books
11. Call Me No 5
12. Standing Out In The Universe
13. Illumination
14. Horseshoe Drama (Bonus Track)
15. Push Button, Automatic (Bonus Track)
16. Talisman (Bonus Track)