It is absolutely amazing that the older the Modfather gets, the better his music gets. Before 2005, he had a mini-slump as we entered the 21st century, but not as bad as being almost the forgotten man for a bit in the 1990s. He did jack it all in after 1989 when going through turbulent times since the Style Council split. In 1991, he went back out on the road playing small venues, to begin with, as a solo artist, but it sounded more like a band called the Paul Weller Movement. He then released his self-titled debut album in 1992 and once again was being talked about for the great songwriter that he is. Still, it was his second album “Wild Wood” that really got him back in the limelight, not to mention the praises of a young, fresh-faced songwriter called Noel Gallagher (Who is still his neighbour at present in Little Venice despite Noel trying to sell his London home.) who happened to be in a band called Oasis who were leading the movement back in 1994, which got Paul new fans and at present, the momentum from that year is still carrying Weller through. Yes, he had three disappointing albums to begin the 21st century by his standards, but since “As is Now”, Paul has had the fire in his belly to prove he’s still one of the greatest songwriters in the world.

He has also had a philosophy of not looking back since 2005 and has dared to experiment on every album thereafter. “On Sunset” is no exception. Instead of sticking to the sound he once mastered, he has added vim and zest with his experimental endeavours. They usually say, “If ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” However, in music, you need to change with the times and push yourself to try new ideas rather than stagnate. This is why most songwriters disappear from the radar because they are too comfortable. Weller is willing to try new and exciting things to let everyone know he is still working and stamp his authority all over the industry.

Weller has changed up the tempo for this record; as we all remember, “True Meanings,” his last album from two years ago, was very reflective and simplistic. However, “On Sunset” is a departure from its predecessor and challenged him, but from what I heard, it’ll bear fruit for the Modfather in the long run.

The record begins with “Mirror Ball”, which I would describe as a three-in-one track because of the number of genres included. It goes from psychedelic, experimental, sub-bass and then, as the seven minutes approach, back to how it began. I could see the likes of the Chemical Brothers, Toydrum or Amorphous Androgynous remixing this, but Weller is more than confident of having a go himself as he gets bolder these days.

Most of the album, which was recorded at Black Barn Studios in Surrey, has a very summer feel to it when it was probably recorded during the cold winter of this year and last year. The whole element of funk and bass adds to that summer effect. However, towards the end of the record, we have tracks like “Equanimity” that sound more like he did back in 2000 compared to what he has been doing for the last fifteen years of being very experimental in the studio.

The title track is sound, but I don’t know if the final mix was supposed to have the effect of the Modfather’s vocals being overpowered by the strings to accompany them. It seems odd that Weller’s vocals are very feint.”Bapiste” reminds me of his track “Wild Wood” from the early 1990s when he dared to go solo, and it feels like a song dedicated to his passion.

The production is a bit much, but the lyrical content more than makes up for it. I’ve heard some bullshit in recent years that the Modfather is no longer a force with his songwriting, but after nearly 50 years in the industry, I disagree. He has always retained his ability to write songs; even those first three albums of the 21st century still had gems on them, although fewer. I loved “Rockets” as Weller once again gets political and takes a swipe at the sorry state of current affairs. He was also clearly inspired by the late David Bowie, as it sounded a bit like Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust era.

“More” indicates what Weller plans to do from here on in. “There’s always something else in store, keeps me running down that road.” if that isn’t a clear indication, then I don’t know what is. Weller is not planning to retire any time soon and is still hungry for more accolades among the many others he has received over the decades. 

Once again, the Modfather has stamped his authority all over the industry and is not paying attention to those who think he should be in the garden of his Little Venice mansion, having a cigarette with a pint and reflecting on all the milestones he has reached. I look forward to another experimental album to follow this.

9/10

Song recommendations: “Rockets”, “Mirror Ball”, “More”