With so many styles and influences, On Sunset could have been unfocused and scattered, but it hangs together beautifully. “Equanimity” reaffirms Weller’s love for the Kinks, and “Walkin’” harks back to mid-period Beatles. Weller mixes in swirling effects and an electric sitar - the result sounds up to the minute while acknowledging the past. Young British R&B singer Col3trane helps out on “Earth Beat,” a slice of electronica and soul, Gordelier again ensuring that the music gets you out of your chair and out on the dance floor. Strings and horns enrich this track, but drummer Ben Gordelier lays down the funk that keeps things focused and rhythmically fluid as the arrangement grows more complex. Talbot’s Hammond is just one of many elements in the ’70s urban-soul stylings of “Village,” but he plays an important role in setting the jaunty tone for the upbeat “Walkin’.” Each song has something distinctive that grabs the ear, whether the guitar riff in “Baptiste” or Lee Thompson’s sax solo in “Walkin’.”įrench singer Julie Gros joins Weller in “More,” which recalls the Style Council’s sophisticated jazz pop. Mick Talbot, keyboardist for the Style Council, joins Weller on three tracks, including the soulful gospel song “Baptiste.” Talbot’s Hammond organ gives it a churchy feel, and Phil Veacock’s horn arrangement brings in a shot of Stax/Volt. “Mirror Ball” is ambitious, enthralling, and sonically playful. A section of musique concrète gives way to hints of disco and electronica, all held together with heavy guitar. “Mirror Ball,” the 7:37-long epic that begins the album, embraces lush 1960s pop and ’80s rock - and that’s just in the first two minutes. Weller has always embraced a wide variety of musical styles, from rock’n’roll to soul and beyond, and On Sunset, his 15th solo album, shows his versatility and far-ranging interests undiminished. We’ve stayed with him during his solo career of almost 30 years because his songwriting skills have never faded - if anything, they’ve continued to grow - and his records always surprise and challenge.
Many of us in North America became fans when Weller fronted the Jam and, after that, the Style Council. Paul Weller doesn’t enjoy the level of stardom in the US that he does in his native UK, but his Stateside following is strong enough that his records have always been released here.
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