In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary music, few artists possess the enduring influence and innovative spirit of Paul Weller. A recording career that began in 1977 now takes in the release of his 17th solo album and his 28th in total.
Weller has always demonstrated an unwavering commitment to pushing artistic boundaries while staying true to his roots. “66” is no exception, offering a captivating journey through his continuing musical evolution.
As the title and artwork by Sir Peter Blake (his first for Weller since 1995’s Stanley Road) indicates, Paul Weller’s new album marks the completion of his 66th journey around the sun and is released on May 24th – the day before his 66th birthday.
“66” is quite a reflective and inward thinking album that pulls back the camera lens and shines a light on the way Weller’s creativity interacts with his wider world.
Continually finding new ways to alchemize the miracle of living and the meaning of it all, he draws on fragments of real life, ruminations on spirituality and even childhood memories. There are songs touching on faith, changing circumstances and the fractured realities of life in this turbulent age. But ”66” is positive at heart, bursting with the wisdom and perspective accrued by the business of someone who has really lived and loved
The 12 songs on “66” were worked up in Weller’s Black Barn studio over the course of three years with a host of guest musicians. In the recent past, Paul has been an enthusiastic collaborator, but “66” feels like the most fully-realized celebration of that process. Here, there are lyrical contributions from an esteemed roll-call including Suggs, Noel Gallagher and Bobby Gillespie (“Ship Of Fools”, “Jumble Queen” and “Soul Wondering” respectively). “66” also sees the co-writing return of Erland Cooper and duo White Label, and string arrangements from Hannah Peel. Additionally, there are two collaborations with French producer and recording artist Christophe Vaillant (Le Superhomard, while acclaimed Brooklyn trio Say She She add vocals to “In Full Flight”. Peppered throughout the album are turns from an array of old friends including Dr Robert, Richard Hawley, Steve Brooks and Max Beesley.
The album is available on all major streaming platforms, CD, and vinyl formats
“66” Track-listing:
Ship of Fools
Flying Fish
Jumble Queen
Nothing
My Best Friend’s Coat
Rise Up Singing
I Woke Up
A Glimpse of You
Sleepy Hollow
In Full Flight
Soul Wandering
Burn Out
Produced by Paul Weller
Except:
My Best Friend’s Coat / A Glimpse of You – produced by Christophe Vaillant
In Full Flight – produced by Weller / White Label
Burn Out – produced by Weller / Charles Rees
September US Tour 2024
06 Red Bank NJ – Count Basie Center for the Arts
07 Brooklyn NY – Kings Theatre
08 Boston MA – House of Blues
10 Glenside PA – Keswick Theatre
11 Washington DC – Lincoln Theatre
13 Toronto ON – History
15 Chicago IL – Vic Theatre
16 Minneapolis MN – First Avenue
19 Seattle WA – The Moore
20 Vancouver BC – Vogue Theatre
22 San Francisco CA – The Fillmore
23 San Francisco CA – The Fillmore
25 El Cajon CA – The Magnolia
26 Anaheim CA – House of Blues
27 Los Angeles CA – Orpheum Theatre
28 Los Angeles CA – Orpheum Theatre
