Paul Weller’s last album ‘Sonik Kicks’ was about as out there and experimental as he’s ever dared to venture. His latest return with ‘Saturns Pattern’ has its moments, but is his most focussed album in recent times.
I’ll be honest, I’ve been a Paul Weller fan for a long time. I bought Jam singles and albums on the morning they were released, I still listen to some Style Council songs (OK, I’ll admit it, whole albums), and own every Weller solo release.
As a solo artists he’s had his ups and downs, but for the last few years (‘22 Dreams‘ onwards) he’s barely put a foot wrong. Continuing this rich vein, ‘Saturns Pattern‘ opens with ‘White Sky‘, a rock/blues Zeppelin-esque chugging monster. Hot on its heels the title track ‘Saturns Pattern‘ is on more familiar Weller footing, a pop soul psych out, and lyrically one of his most upbeat songs ever.
‘Saturns Pattern’ is Weller’s 12th studio album.
‘Going My Way‘ is one of those hopelessly romantic songs that its creator has perfected over the years. Three songs in and I feel reminiscent of his solo debut from 1992, Weller sounds reborn in this his 12th solo studio album. Each track is underpinned with quirky bleeps or blasts but not without care – they enhance the music rather than detract from it.
In ‘I’m Where I Should Be‘ Weller is content and confident as you’d expect, as he sings he’s “Not trapped by the burden of parody”. It’s one of the more experimental sounding pieces sacrificing a solid foundation of great pop melody.
His wife Hannah appears on ‘Phoenix‘ with backing vocals. The 60’s sounding track is another upbeat number with keyboards reminiscent of The Doors. Before you know it the album closer, ‘These City Streets‘ floats in on a cushion of urban sound effects, again the ’92 solo debut is evoked. Lyrically he sounds more contented than ever but musically he refuses to stand still; reading interviews it’s clear he still loves to explore unfamiliar territory, which is (thankfully) evident in his recent recordings.
The deluxe boxed edition features a DVD, the album on heavy blue vinyl, a large booklet, a poster and three exclusive bonus tracks on the CD, including a cover of Jr Walker and the All-stars ‘I’m a Roadrunner‘ written by Motown legends Holland/Dozier/Holland. However the box version – lovely though it is, doesn’t deliver the sort of premium content I’d expected for the money, especially considering his rich generosity with previous special releases.
Still the album itself is superb, there is no filler and it’s a real treat for enjoying on a decent system. Unless you’re a diehard fan like me you’ll probably be fine with the CD or 180g standard vinyl edition that comes with a free digital download too. I can’t wait to catch ‘Saturns Patterns‘ at his live shows as it’s an instant Weller classic.
Author: Ian, Romford store
