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Amazon.co.uk Review
The signs were good. He'd been getting into Neil Young, smoking joints and making pilgrimages to Nick Drake's grave, but nothing could have prepared us for quite such a return to form. The mood was autobiographical, most notably on "Has My Fire Really Gone Out" and the title track--both of which dealt with the writer's block that plagued Weller after The Style Council. And yet, Wild Wood is anything but morose: flutes and sundazed guitars adorn more pastoral moments; "Shadow Of The Sun" takes stock of youthful idealism and finds redemption in the wisdom of years; and "Sunflower" remains a superlative burst of psychedelic powerpop. But more than actual songs, it's the instrumental passages and interconnecting refrains that truly reveal their author's attention to detail--and give Wild Wood an edge over the rest of his solo material. --Peter Paphides
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
In '92, Paul Weller returned to the fray with his excellent eponymous debut solo album. The following year, he treated us to "Wild Wood", his second solo piece. He manages to channel his own influences into what has become an inspirational album for many of his Brit-Pop disciples. The criticisms levelled at the album, (and indeed Weller in general) usually fall along the "wears his influences on his sleeve" lines. To many, it isn't the fact that he credits his influences, more the fact that the results (in Wild Wood) are such a joy to behold. Weller has never been shy to cite artists worthy of his respect, and it seems unfair to penalise him for his honesty.
Wild Wood is an earthy, natural sounding album, with plenty of acoustic work and a few strangle-your-guitar-and-squawk-into-the-microphone moments. The album is enhanced by the understated yet noticeable production techniques of friend and collaborator Brendan Lynch. Weller's voice is by turns warm and gritty as necessary, his guitar style varied and efficient, and his compositions diverse yet cut-from-the-same-cloth. Steve White's punchy drum sound adds much to the album, never intrusive, but always supportive and interesting.
Wild Wood is an earthy, natural sounding album, with plenty of acoustic work and a few strangle-your-guitar-and-squawk-into-the-microphone moments. The album is enhanced by the understated yet noticeable production techniques of friend and collaborator Brendan Lynch. Weller's voice is by turns warm and gritty as necessary, his guitar style varied and efficient, and his compositions diverse yet cut-from-the-same-cloth. Steve White's punchy drum sound adds much to the album, never intrusive, but always supportive and interesting.
An album which sees Weller's career as a solo artist start to take shape after the fantastic, yet dissimilar first album, Wild Wood deserves a place in any record collection, as an example of a seasoned song-writer in top form.
I recommend the (Japanese) Pony Canyon release "More Wood" which collects b-sides and remixes from the same era, all of which are top-notch, and could have happily nestled in amongst the finalised "Wild Wood" track-listing.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
'Wild Wood' represents a big leap forward after the fake soul of The Style Council. The album has soul, but it's a natural inflection rather than a forced imitation of black music. For me, 'All The Pictures On The Wall' demonstrates this the best with its bold acoustic rhythms. Throughout the album, Weller's band display a hearty appetite for the music they're playing. They're as solid as any seasoned rock band, but their style is rooted more in the 1960s. This album and 'Stanley Road' complement each other and there are parallels. 'Sunflower' and 'The Changingman' open both albums in a similar fashion, for example, with simple, repetitive guitar figures. 'Stanley Road' has better songs, however, while 'Wild Wood' is more satisfying in terms of style. The device of including four brief interludes is effective, breaking up the songs to keep them fresh while giving the album a distinct aura.
Perhaps it's the content that falls marginally short of greatness. Weller's songwriting isn't as hard-hitting as in the days of The Jam, though some anger is still there. The title track, though, an alternative metaphor to 'concrete jungle' offers positive wisdom, something the angry young Weller didn't do much. 'Shadow Of The Sun' doesn't warrant seven minutes, however, and the extended instrumental passage only proves that he's better with three-minute songs. It's a minor criticism, though. 'Wild Wood' is largely a satisfying album.
Perhaps it's the content that falls marginally short of greatness. Weller's songwriting isn't as hard-hitting as in the days of The Jam, though some anger is still there. The title track, though, an alternative metaphor to 'concrete jungle' offers positive wisdom, something the angry young Weller didn't do much. 'Shadow Of The Sun' doesn't warrant seven minutes, however, and the extended instrumental passage only proves that he's better with three-minute songs. It's a minor criticism, though. 'Wild Wood' is largely a satisfying album.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Weller really came back from the dead with this offering.After spluttering back to semi- conciousness with the self titled first album he shakes off the past and enters into a new era of confident songwriting with Whitey concreting his already rock steady back beat to PW,s enchanting acoustic and at times soulful sound(moon on your pyjamas). If you only buy one PW solo album make sure this is it (but follow it up with Stanley Road). BUY it NOW. Dixie Dean
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Not mine
This cd was bought as a gift for a friend and it would seem that they are more than happy.
Published 4 months ago by D. M. Burton
Forgiven..........Finally
A truly superb album that has now taken quite a large role in the soundtrack of my life.
I truly hated Weller for splitting up The Jam but I feel that he has managed to redeem... Read more
I truly hated Weller for splitting up The Jam but I feel that he has managed to redeem... Read more
Published 18 months ago by James Cooper
WILD WOOD - WOW!
This is without a doubt one of the top five albums of the 90's, maybe ever {in my opinion}.
From the opening track the superb "sunflower" the stunning title track and the... Read more
From the opening track the superb "sunflower" the stunning title track and the... Read more
Published on 3 Mar 2010 by Mrrarnell
Weller's Masterpiece
The strength of the songwriting on Wild Wood is the main thing you take from it after a few listens, Weller really had his mojo back while writing and recording Wild Wood. Read more
Published on 31 May 2009 by J. J. Greenhorn
Truly amazing...
The later version of this album is even better, with the inclusion of "Hung Up", but all the tracks are great.
Check out "The Weaver"....and the accompanying video! Read more
Check out "The Weaver"....and the accompanying video! Read more
Published on 4 Jun 2008 by ModdyBoy67
I Guess I Have Some Catching Up To Do
I bought my first Jam single in 1978 and stuck by PW and his music up to the splendid "Into Tomorrow" single way back when. Read more
Published on 7 May 2008 by Coincidence Vs Fate
am i missing something?
i dunno....im always hearing young men of a certain age, normally 25-35, calling for this guy whenever a singer comes to the pub for instance. 'got any weller? Read more
Published on 19 Aug 2007 by The evil hippy
A step forward for Mr Bowling Shoes
Mr Weller will rarely turn in a real duffer because of his instinctive songwriting and musicianship. Read more
Published on 25 Aug 2006 by Merry Terry
If you don't love this album, you have no soul.
As the title suggests, unless you have no soul, there is no reason why you shouldn't love this album. Read more
Published on 12 Oct 2005 by thfcu2
Weller creates a subtle, yet energy filled atmosphere
Confirmation that his Style Council era was a prolonged denial of his true metier as a first-class uptight British rocker, Wild Wood also finds an apt and exciting stylistic... Read more
Published on 30 Jan 2002 by tonyjbeesley@aol.com
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