Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best albums of the year. Don't miss out., 7 Nov 2002
After Paul's patchy last 2 albums, namely 1997's soulless "Heavy Soul" and 2000's moody 'Heliocentric,' I was expecting more of the same with 'Illumination' just being another flashy title to sell another run of the mill album. Fortunately, I have been spectacularly proved wrong. Maybe all his touring since after the 'Heliocentric' album has brought back his inspiration. The first thing the listener notices is the improved production. Brendan Lynch has been dropped and although his production was amazing on 'Wild Wood' and 'Stanley Road' it soon became repetitive and unfocused on 'Heavy Soul' and 'Heliocentric.' Paul has produced himself with some help on some tracks from Simon Dine. The instruments are all beautifully clear and this allows the melody to shine in each song. There are 13 tracks and each deserves its place on the album. The opener, 'Going Places', is one of a number of acoustic delights. Other acoustic type songs include the lush 'Leafy Mysteries,' 'Who Brings Joy,' 'All Good Books' and the closer 'Illumination.' They are all as good as anything on Wild Wood. This album also has a better balance then the previous two as there are some rockers as well such as 'A Bullet For Everyone' and 'Call Me No.5.' 'It's Written in the Stars' is clearly Paul's best single since 1996's Peacock Suit. 'Now the Night is Here' and 'Standing Out in the Universe' are also spectacular songs. The main thing with this album though is that it as many have already stated the title does ring true. It is Paul's happiest album and so much better then the previous two which were the work of an unhappy, moody man entering his 40s. It is definitely already on par with Stanley Road and only time will tell if it is his best album but it certainly could be even better than Wild Wood due to it's superb songwriting and warm atmosphere. Do buy it it is one of the best albums of the year and it will "illuminate" those dark autumn and winter evenings.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Paul Weller is maturing like a fine wine..., 28 May 2003
Illumination is a good title for this LP, as the mood is lighter and the production crisper than on his last LP, Helioentric, which sounded in parts like the work of an unhappy man who’d just hit 40. In fact, Illumination is the most up-beat and positive LP Weller has crafted since his solo debut. Much of the angsty griping of yore has been replaced by songs of celebration (Who Brings Joy, It’s Written in the Stars), wonderment (Leafy Mysteries), and love (Now the Night is Here). There are plenty of good tunes, and a mood piece (yes, a mood piece).
Stomping gripe-rock numbers get a rare look-in in the forms of ‘A Bullet for Everyone’ and ‘Call me No.5’. But these songs now sound a bit retro-macho, whereas five years ago they wouldn’t have. He continues to mature, like all of us, and so, on the rest of the album Paul Weller sounds mellower, writing more from the heart. In doing so he sounds authentic, contemporary, and soulful. As with all Paul Weller albums, there are some great musical moments, nay, events, within great songs. For example, the swirling, descending strings in the coda of ‘Now the Night is Here’ flip an impassioned love song within seconds into a nightmarish existential question. Minimalist brilliance.
Paul Weller is also singing better than ever. He has a truly great voice, something which never grabbed me so forcefully before this album. If you are passionate about great songwriting and artistry expressed within the rock and similar idioms, then I would unhesitatingly recommend this LP.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Took me Away From The Numbers..., 30 Oct 2002
The long awaited 6th studio album! 100% worth waiting for! This album has a surefire hit in 'It's Written In The Stars', a catchy tune, yet still has a style of it's own that is mesmerising to listen to. 'Going Places' is a MODerate paced acoustic song to open Illumination, but the full affect is felt when the hard hitting 'Bullet...' kicks in straight away at the end. The collaboration with Kelly Jones on 'Call Me No. 5' is a rock track well worth a listen, on another day you may not be able to tell if it was a Weller or Stereophonics song! Noel Gallagher plays the drums on 'One X One', why? I have no idea, Steve White seems to do pretty well on all the other tracks! 'One X One' is a song that links Illumination to Weller albums of the past; most specifically Heliocentric. 'Standing Out In The Universe' is classic Weller, could have come from any of his past efforts and been equally as fitting. Overall - a fantastic album, with magical and atmospheric songs all the way through. A must for lifelong Weller fans like myself.
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