Paul Weller, the Modfather himself, returns with his 17th solo album, 66, marking yet another milestone in an illustrious career that spans over four decades. With cover art by the legendary Sir Peter Blake, his first for Weller since 1995's Stanley Road, 66 is a reflective yet forward-looking addition to Weller's expansive discography. As the album’s title suggests, 66 coincides with Weller’s 66th birthday, it’s birth just a day before the big event. This album, more than any of his previous ones, seems to pull back the curtain on Weller's inner world, shining a light on his creative process and how it interacts with the complexities of life.

Recorded over three years at Weller’s Black Barn studio, 66 features a host of collaborations with some of the biggest names in music. Weller has always been an enthusiastic partner, but this album feels like the pinnacle of that process. Contributions from Suggs (Madness), Noel Gallagher (Oasis), and Bobby Gillespie (Primal Scream) add fire to tracks like “Ship Of Fools,” “Jumble Queen,” and “Soul Wondering,” respectively. The album also includes co-writing efforts with Erland Cooper and White Label, along with string arrangements from Hannah Peel. French producer Christophe Vaillant and Brooklyn trio Say She She add their own touches, further enriching the album's tone. Old friends make appearances too, with Dr. Robert, Richard Hawley, Steve Brooks, and Max Beesley lending their talents throughout the record. The first single, “Soul Wondering,” set the tone with its chunky percussive groove, while “Rise Up Singing” serves as a microcosm of what awaits listeners - an uplifting blend of soul and spirituality.

Paul Weller's ability to continually reinvent himself while staying true to who he is has always been remarkable. The new album is no different, diving headfirst into themes of faith, change, and the fractured realities of modern life, but always with a positive undercurrent. It's an album bursting with the insights and revelations of a life richly lived, offering a fresh perspective on the perennial question of what it means to be alive.