A Kind Revolution

Paul Weller (Parlophone)

Since he split up The Jam, Weller has been trying to cover so many musical bases, it’s sometimes unclear whether he is pleasing himself, or if it’s just a contrivance. Here, on his 13th solo album, he tries to open his throat and be soulful as on Woo Sé Mama – coming across like Elton John when he tries the same trick. Luckily, things improve. The Cranes Are Back, The Impossible Idea and Hopper are sturdily constructed songs, while on One Tear he duets surprisingly effectively with one Boy George. A solid effort but no more than that.