After an unparalleled career, characterized by constant musical experimentation, we should be used to Paul Weller's relentless desire to chop and change his sound. But after the triumphant, Brit Award-bagging success of 22 Dreams (his third solo number one record in the UK), his new album Wake Up the Nation sees one of rock's most iconic songwriters expand and evolve once more.
A departure stylistically from the more pastoral sounds of his last album, Wake Up is lean, mean and as uncompromisingly focused as its maker. It also brings Paul Weller full circle: twenty-eight years on from The Jam's split, two tracks feature the former bassist Bruce Foxton. The album also sees contributions from My Bloody Valentine guitar alchemist Kevin Shields, ELO's Bev Bevan and legendary session drummer Clem Cattini.