Well-come back

He’s never away for very long, Mr Weller. He must be the hardest working man in British music. Album, followed by extensive tour, followed by a string of guest appearances with artists from across the musical spectrum, followed by album, etc.

This ubiquity is adored and vilified in equal measure by public and press alike. He’s believed by many to be among the finest and most important songwriters of the modern era. By others, he is regarded as having disappeared up his own arse 20 years ago, or even earlier.

It’s no secret that a small portion of his prolific output has been a little self indulgent - 2004’s covers record Studio 150 was below his high standard, for instance. But generally speaking, it’s the first camp who are almost undeniably correct. For 30 years, Weller has consistently pushed himself to develop as an artist, with mostly exciting and vital results.

This time around, it’s a double album. After the straight forward rock of last effort As Is Now (a “return to form” in the eyes of the press), this is a bold move in itself. But upon first listen, it’s clear that it’s his boldest move since he broke millions of hearts by splitting The Jam in 1982.

22 Dreams is nothing like its predecessor. It harks back to just about every stage of Weller’s career, drawing huge influence from the pomp and soul of the Style Council, as well as the more modern blues of his solo work, and the punk elements of his original incarnation.

It’s a long haul, but each of the multitude of tracks fits beautifully into the landscape of the record. Opener Light Nights is a thrilling and driven acoustic number, followed neatly by the soulful rock of title track 22 Dreams, and the loved up vibe of All I Wanna Do.

Next single Push it Along is rock built for the live arena, and Echoes Round The Sun, penned by Noel Gallagher, taps in to the psychedelia of the Stanley Road era.