Paul Weller - 66 (Japan Edition) (2024) {SHM-CD}

In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary music, few artists possess the enduring influence and innovative spirit of Paul Weller. A recording career that began in 1977 now takes in the release of his 17th solo album and his 28th in total. Weller has always demonstrated an unwavering commitment to pushing artistic boundaries while staying true to his roots. 66 promises to be no exception, offering a captivating journey through his continuing musical evolution.

As the title and artwork by Sir Peter Blake (his first for Weller since 1995’s Stanley Road) indicates, Paul Weller’s new album marks the completion of his 66th journey around the sun and is released on May 24th – the day before his 66th birthday. 66 is quite a reflective and inward thinking album that pulls back the camera lens and shines a light on the way Weller’s creativity interacts with his wider world. Continually finding new ways to alchemise the miracle of living and the meaning of it all, he draws on fragments of real life, ruminations on spirituality and even childhood memories. There are songs touching on faith, changing circumstances and the fractured realities of life in this turbulent age. But 66 is positive at heart, bursting with the wisdom and perspective accrued by the business of someone who has really lived and loved

The 12 songs on 66 were worked up in Weller’s Black Barn studio over the course of three years with a host of guest musicians. In the recent past, Paul has been an enthusiastic collaborator, but 66 feels like the most fully-realised celebration of that process. Here, there are lyrical contributions from an esteemed roll-call including Suggs, Noel Gallagher and Bobby Gillespie (“Ship Of Fools”, “Jumble Queen” and “Soul Wondering” respectively). 66 also sees the co-writing return of Erland Cooper and duo White Label, and string arrangements from Hannah Peel. Additionally, there are two collaborations with French producer and recording artist Christophe Vaillant (Le Superhomard, while acclaimed Brooklyn trio Say She She add vocals to “In Full Flight”.

Peppered throughout the album are turns from an array of old friends including Dr Robert, Richard Hawley, Steve Brooks and Max Beesley. As a taster, the first track to be released from 66 is the chunky percussive groove of “Soul Wondering”. “Rise Up Singing” is a perfect microcosm of what awaits new and old fans alike: a sustained sunburst of soul and spirituality. 66 is set to be a landmark addition to Paul Weller's illustrious discography, further solidifying his status as one of the defining artists of his or any other generation.