22 Dreams

by

Paul Weller

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The legendary rock star, Paul Weller makes his comeback!

If nothing else, you tend to associate Paul Weller with lean and muscular music - rock without any flab or fripperies.

So the big surprise about the epic "22 Dreams" is just how much latitude Weller gives himself to wander off down intriguing musical backwaters.

Some 30 years spent as a bedrock of great British songcraft is time enough for a man to be allowed to indulge himself a little.

Hence this Paul Weller 70-minute concept album relating a young man's journey from heartbreak to spiritual awakening, blending together an eclectic array of genres, spanning two discs, 21 tunes and much of the musical spectrum: trad folk, lounge, psychedelia and piano balladry included.

Yes, there are the mod anthems, spirited evocations of Sixties R&B, like the title track.

But there are instrumental interludes which run the gamut from eastern classical to blithe jazz, all invested with a dream-like quality.

Even so, all are unmistakably Weller.

The voice of a generation can't be disguised by shifting genre. Despite the eclectic aspirations, standouts recall the vibrant English soul that first marked the latter days of the Jam.

There are curiosities like "Light Nights", which is earnest folk with a whiff of Pentangle about it, and "Why Walk When You Can Run", a pining bit of acoustica which could almost belong on the latest Neil Diamond album.

There are liberal dose of strings, occasional whiffs of Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye and, with the apparent theme of changing seasons, a sense of something epic happening, but without the dreary sense of self-importance which often comes with a concept album.

The electrifying title track and "Have You Made Up Your Mind" suggest that this album would be up there with Weller's best, were it not 21 songs long -too many of the more experimental soundscapes are surely only of interest to their creator.

Yes, Weller can't be begrudged such gratification, but "22 Dreams" would have been all the better for a trim.

Despite that, the album has the ring of a classic. He may no longer be a spokesman for anyone but himself, but Weller is still setting standards for his generation.

"22 Dreams" features various collaborations with other well-known artist: Noel Gallagher and Gem Archer of Oasis, Graham Coxon of Blur, Steve Cradock of Ocean Colour Scene, Little Barrie and an ex-Stone Roses guitarist, Aziz Ibrahim.

Fresh new tracks "Echoes Round The Sun" and "Have You Made Up Your Mind" are set to be released to dominate the radio airwaves.