Categories : Music Reviews, Rock + Pop.
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Rating: 2.5 / 5 Reviewer: Michelle Kennedy |
When Paul Weller writes, “Get your face off the facebook and turn off the phone/the death of the post box/nowhere feels home,” he is condemning his own work. This album feels homeless, aimless – a man unable to innovate because of the weight of his own influence, history and spectacular back catalogue. It could be argued that this album is timeless and it would be if it were written in 1972, but instead it sounds desperate, dated, and a last gasp at something Weller hit on years ago. Without irony or a nod to whimsy the classic mod vibe isn’t post modern, it’s just boring – and kind of sad.
But Weller is talented. Of course he is, he is an incredibly influential and seasoned musician and listening to Wake Up the Nation creates a warm sense of nostalgia for those influenced by him. This album sounds like the Britpop revival records influenced by Weller in the early-mid ’90s. ‘Fast Car, Slow Traffic’ hearkens back to early Blur or Oasis. ‘Sweet Andromeda’ might even make one want to listen to Coldplay… maybe. Weller is undoubtedly aware of his powerful influence and relies heavily on his fame and ability to write across genres. He is, without a doubt, a unique and remarkable talent, but his followers have innovated beyond him.
