Paul Weller
A British pop and rock classic
His mod elegance has always been present in a long career that has deeply influenced several generations
Paul Weller is synonymous of quality since he became a mod icon during the new wave era as The Jam leader. Since their debut in 1977 until they split up in 1982 they placed 18 singles in the first positions of the top hit listings, with genuine anthems such as “That´s Entertainment”.
The following phase as a leader of The Style Council meant a sophistication of their music and lyrics, taking many elements from soul, and also displaying their political consciousness with songs such as “Walls Come Tumbling Down”, that condemned Thatcherism. In the same period he became politically active in the Red Wedge organization, leaded by Billy Bragg, supporting the Labour Party.
His solo career started with an eponymous album which was like going back to the roots without losing a funk touch. It was the prelude of a golden age captured in “Wild Wood” (1993) and “Stanley Road” (1995), his best-selling album, with Oasis´ Noel Gallagher as a collaborator, giving him a reputation of brit-pop godfather.
Paul Weller´s blend of rock and soul continued to provide jewels such as “Heavy Soul” (1997), “Heliocentric” (2000), “Illumination” (2002) and the cover versions album “Studio 150”. His endless talent generated another masterpiece, “22 Dreams” (2008), in which he´s surrounded by some of his disciples: Noel Gallagher, Graham Coxon (Blur) and Steve Cradock (Ocean Colour Scene).
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