Fat Pop (Volume 1)
Polydor, 2021
10/10
The legend Paul Weller returns with his 16th solo album since 1992, where cancelled tour plans and a pandemic had Weller recording songs alone on guitar and piano, before sending them to his core band members to add their parts. Eventually, when restrictions were lifted, the band all met to finish the listen, and it’s one of the most diverse in Weller’s exceptional body of work.
Weller starts the listen with the buzzing sounds of “Cosmic Fringes”, where nods to ‘90s post-punk enter the synth-friendly melodies that are quite gritty, and “True” follows with several voices and warm brass entering a busy display of soulful, punchy pop-rock.
Moving along, “Glad Times” trims the pace back with soaring strings and a romantic climate of lush beauty, while “Cobweb/Connections” has Weller on acoustic guitar as his unmistakable voice guides the folk friendly atmosphere that benefits from graceful keys. “That Pleasure”, one of the album’s best, then takes nods to the ‘70s with its soothing backing vocals, stylish guitar work and laid back appeal.
Closer to the end, “In Better Times” pairs an emotional landscape with plenty of diverse musicianship that includes autoharp, organ, sax and many others, and “Still Glides The Stream” exits the listen with a very mature, and textured finish of sophisticated balladry that welcomes Hannah Peel’s string score.
Probably best known for his early years fronting the mod-punk outfit The Jam, Weller has covered so much territory in his lengthy career, and Fat Pop (Volume 1) contains some of his best work, which, of course, is no easy feat.
Travels well with: Joe Strummer- Dark Horse; Bob Mould- Blue Hearts