Saturns Pattern is a bold and classically British record that fully deserves all the praise it has received so far.
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Saturns Pattern marks Paul Weller’s 12th studio release. It is a bold and classically British record that fully deserves all the praise it has received so far. Most will recognise the distinctive gruff to Weller’s voice as being the forefront of classic Brit-rock group, The Jam. Paul Weller is the guy at the centre of the mod revival, and you might even have heard him referred to as “The Modfather”. Early influences to Weller included The Beatles and The Who, which can be heard throughout the entirety of his discography, and even this newest release. Alongside this, Weller’s solo music is in a similar vein to Brit-pop classics like Oasis, Pulp and Blur- with Weller and The Jam actually being a huge influence to the above bands.
The first track sets the album up as a loud and bold statement with ‘White Sky’. It takes a while to build, but ultimately manages to encapsulate a very raw and modern sound, whilst still demonstrating Weller’s maturity and experience. The title track ‘Saturns Pattern’ is a catchy, jazzy number, which without a doubt contains that classic English vibe that Weller is renowned for.
By just a third of the way through the album, a variety of sounds have already been heard, and Weller himself remarked in an interview that this album was extremely progressive and experimental. The third track itself appears to set out as a ballad, but as ‘Going My Way’ progresses it is apparent that Weller has a lot more to show than just a soppy piano and vocals kind of track. The song begins to unfold about thirty seconds in, the piano picks up, and a gentle accompaniment joins Weller’s soft vocals, which is joined by reserved backing vocals.
‘Pick It Up’ is another noteworthy track, with some gorgeous Spanish/Led-Zep style guitar, and very Blur-like harmonies; the fifth track on the album arguably also contains the catchiest lyric on the album (“pick it up, pick up the pieces”). Saturns Pattern ends with an epic almost-nine-minute-long track, and although titled ‘These City Streets’ it appears to be Weller’s most emotive song on the entire album, albeit likely to be metaphoric.
Saturns Pattern has a solid nine tracks, with an additional deluxe edition containing a further three. There isn’t one song that doesn’t feel right on the album, and it seems to flow effortlessly and is a pure example of easy listening. Whether you’re an old Paul Weller fan, or have never even heard of him or The Jam, this is a standalone stellar album, but also an exceptional addition to Weller’s already impressive discography.
Saturns Pattern was released on Monday 18th May via Atlantic.
