Paul Weller’s new album 66 is a far cry from the fiery vigour of Weller’s early work with The Jam and The Style Council. It’s also different from solo hits like The Changingman (1995) or even, more recently, the grittier moments on 2021’s Fat Pop. But by taking his foot off the gas somewhat, Weller seems keen to take in the view and a comparative lack of feistiness doesn’t mean a lack of purpose.
Indeed, this being his 17th solo studio album – following six with The Jam and five with The Style Council – Weller’s work ethic, at least, shows no signs of flagging. Nor his capacity to roam around pop’s past and present in search of inspiration.
66 is named partly for his age at release and partly, he claims, for 1966 – the year that produced much of the music that fired him up in the first place.
