Paul Weller is one musician whose music can be described in one word: uncompromising.
At the height of his success with The Jam, Weller decided that it was time for a change and quit the band in order to pursue a more soulful style.
This unapologetic attitude has been the hallmark of the Modfather’s career and this is as true to latest album Saturns Pattern as it was to his self-titled 1992 debut.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Stanley Road, the follow-up to his Mercury-nominated Wild Wood, so we decided to take a look back at some of the LP’s gems in the latest instalment of Classic Album Of The Week.
The Changingman
One of Weller’s most recognisable tracks, this guitar-driven rocker showcases the singer at his best and is said to have gotten its title from a name his daughter gave to her doll.
With lyrics including ‘too in touch with myself, I light the fuse’ and the singer has since revealed that it tells of his restlessness and need to constantly change things up, whether in his music or personal life.
You Do Something To Me
In our humble opinion, this is one of the greatest love songs ever written and perfectly captures the exquisite frustration of a doomed love affair – ‘hanging on the wire, for a love I’ll never find’.
It might be 20 years old but this is an absolute classic.
Broken Stones
A perfect example of Weller’s knack for creating evocative imagery in his lyrics, this was penned in the aftermath of his split from wife Dee C Lee.
“Like pebbles on a beach/kicked around displaced by feet/Oh, like broken stones/we’re all trying to get home.”
I Walk On Gilded Splinters
This track was written by American singer-songwriter Dr John and Weller’s version features a cameo on acoustic guitar by none other than Noel Gallagher. It was used for the finale of the fourth season of The Wire.
Out Of The Sinking
This song shows Weller’s innate ability to combine light and shade, moving seamlessly from a smooth and touching chorus into his signature, strong driving chorus.
Long live The Modfather!
Paul Weller plays The Olympia Theatre in Dublin on November 17th and 18th, as well as The Waterfront Theatre in Belfast on November 16th.
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