Paul Weller is an English singer, songwriter, and musician who has had a significant impact on the British music scene since the late 1970s. He first rose to prominence as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the influential punk rock band The Jam, whose socially conscious lyrics and melodic sound helped to define the post-punk era in the UK. After The Jam disbanded in 1982, Weller formed The Style Council, which incorporated elements of soul, jazz, and pop into their sound and achieved chart success throughout the 1980s.
As a solo artist since the early 1990s, Weller has continued to evolve his sound, drawing on a diverse range of influences including rock, folk, and electronic music. His solo work has been critically acclaimed, and he has achieved commercial success with albums such as “Wild Wood,” “Stanley Road,” and “22 Dreams.”
Weller is known for his distinctive voice, his guitar playing, and his ability to write powerful and memorable songs that touch on a range of social and political issues. He has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the BRIT Award for Outstanding Contribution to Music in 2006. Weller’s influence on British music can be felt in the work of many younger artists who have been inspired by his sound and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of popular music.
1. The Jam – That’s Entertainment (1980)
“That’s Entertainment” is a classic and timeless song by the British band The Jam, led by singer-songwriter Paul Weller. The song features a simple yet infectious acoustic guitar riff, combined with Weller’s distinctive and emotive vocals. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of working-class life in England, with themes of boredom, frustration, and the struggle to find meaning and happiness amidst the mundanity of everyday existence. The chorus is a defiant and anthemic moment, inviting the listener to sing along with the refrain “That’s entertainment!” “That’s Entertainment” is a standout track that captures the spirit and energy of the late 70s and early 80s British punk and new wave scene, making it a timeless classic that remains relevant and resonant to this day.
2. The Jam – Going Underground (1980)
“Going Underground” is a song by The Jam, fronted by Paul Weller, and released in 1980. The song features a driving bassline, punchy drums, and Weller’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics of “Going Underground” are a social commentary on the state of British society at the time, with Weller expressing frustration with the political and economic climate of the country. The song became The Jam’s first number one hit in the UK, and remains one of their most beloved and enduring tracks. “Going Underground” is widely regarded as a classic of the post-punk era, and a testament to Weller’s ability to blend catchy hooks with thoughtful and incisive lyrics.
3. The Style Council – Shout to the Top! (1984)
“Shout to the Top!” is a dynamic and upbeat song by The Style Council, led by singer-songwriter Paul Weller. The song features a catchy and energetic piano riff, combined with Weller’s soulful and impassioned vocals. The lyrics celebrate the power of music and creativity, with a sense of joy and optimism that is both infectious and inspiring. The chorus is a rousing and anthemic moment, inviting the listener to sing along with the refrain “Shout to the top!” “Shout to the Top!” is a standout track that showcases Weller’s ability to blend elements of soul, jazz, and pop into a unique and compelling sound that has become synonymous with the 80s British music scene.
4. Paul Weller – Wild Wood (1993)
“Wild Wood” is a song by Paul Weller, released in 1993 as the title track of his second solo album. The song features an acoustic guitar-driven sound, with a prominent string section and Weller’s soulful vocals. The lyrics of “Wild Wood” reflect on the beauty of nature and the need to escape the pressures and distractions of modern life. The song’s simple yet profound message, combined with its lush and evocative instrumentation, have made it a fan favorite and one of Weller’s most enduring and beloved tracks. “Wild Wood” is considered a highlight of Weller’s solo career and a classic of the 1990s Britpop era.
5. The Jam – The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had To Swallow) (1982)
“The Bitterest Pill (I Ever Had To Swallow)” is a song by The Jam, written and fronted by Paul Weller, and released in 1982. The song features a jangly guitar riff, driving drums, and Weller’s soulful vocals. The lyrics of “The Bitterest Pill” reflect on the pain of a failed relationship, with Weller expressing regret and longing for what could have been. The song’s infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a standout track in The Jam’s discography. “The Bitterest Pill” is a testament to Weller’s ability to write catchy and emotionally resonant songs that speak to the human experience.
6. The Style Council – My Ever Changing Moods (1984)
“My Ever Changing Moods” is a smooth and sophisticated song by The Style Council, led by singer-songwriter Paul Weller. The song features a lush and intricate arrangement, with elements of jazz, funk, and pop combining to create a sophisticated and elegant sound. Weller’s vocals are tender and soulful, conveying a sense of introspection and vulnerability. The lyrics explore the complexities of human emotion and the changing nature of relationships, with themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. “My Ever Changing Moods” is a standout track that showcases Weller’s ability to blend musical genres and create timeless songs that are both emotionally resonant and sonically adventurous.
7. The Jam – A Town Called Malice (1982)
“A Town Called Malice” is a song by The Jam, written and fronted by Paul Weller, and released in 1982. The song features a driving beat, infectious horn section, and Weller’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics of “A Town Called Malice” are a commentary on the social and economic conditions of working-class British towns, with Weller lamenting the boredom, violence, and hopelessness that he sees around him. The song’s catchy melody and politically charged lyrics have made it one of The Jam’s most enduring and beloved tracks, and a testament to Weller’s ability to blend social commentary with pop sensibilities.
8. The Style Council – Walls Come Tumbling Down! (1985)
“Walls Come Tumbling Down!” is a rousing and politically charged song by The Style Council, led by singer-songwriter Paul Weller. The song features a catchy and energetic guitar riff, combined with Weller’s impassioned and urgent vocals. The lyrics call for social and political change, urging listeners to break down barriers and fight against injustice and oppression. The chorus is a defiant and anthemic moment, inviting the listener to sing along with the refrain “You don’t have to take this crap, you don’t have to sit back and relax!” “Walls Come Tumbling Down!” is a standout track that showcases Weller’s ability to blend socially conscious lyrics with infectious and memorable hooks, making it a timeless classic that remains relevant and resonant to this day.
9. The Jam – The Eton Rifles (1979)
“The Eton Rifles” is a song by The Jam, written and fronted by Paul Weller, and released in 1979. The song features a driving beat, catchy guitar riff, and Weller’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics of “The Eton Rifles” are a scathing critique of the privileged and elitist culture of Britain’s public schools, with Weller expressing anger and frustration at the hypocrisy and entitlement of the ruling class. The song’s memorable chorus and incisive lyrics have made it a fan favorite and a classic of the punk rock era. “The Eton Rifles” is a testament to Weller’s ability to craft politically charged songs that resonate with audiences decades later.
10. Paul Weller – Rockets (2020)
“Rockets” is a powerful and introspective song by Paul Weller, released in 2020. The song features a haunting and ethereal melody, combined with Weller’s soulful and evocative vocals. The lyrics explore themes of personal reflection and self-discovery, with a sense of urgency and intensity that is both compelling and emotional. The chorus is a soaring and cathartic moment, inviting the listener to join in with the refrain “Rockets, rockets, burning holes in our lives.” “Rockets” is a standout track that showcases Weller’s ability to evolve and experiment with his sound, while retaining his signature blend of soulful and introspective songwriting.
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