Weller's career on a single album

Paul Weller's 8th solo effort, As Is Now, isn't much of a departure from his 1992 self-titled solo debut. As Is Now, much like its 1992 counterpart, draws upon much of Weller's roots and influences, including punk, mod rock, 1960s and 70s U.S. rhythm and blues, soul, jazz and funk. \nAlthough not a hot commodity in the U.S., Weller is revered as a musical icon in the UK and his soulful singing has drawn many similarities to Steve Winwood. \nAs the frontman for the power trio, the Jam, Weller established himself as a premier songwriter and helped the band produce a string of chart-topping hits in the UK during the late 1970s and early 1980s. \nEven with the abundance of success, Weller felt the need to try his hand at a variety of different genres; leading him to announce the end of the Jam in 1982. Forming the Style Council the following year, Weller experimented with an assortment of styles and song arrangements. After a short stretch with the Style Council, Weller further pursued his musical endeavors with a series of solo releases throughout the 1990s and into the 21st century. \nAs Is Now, Weller's latest release, kicks off with "Blink and You'll Miss It," a fast, guitar-driven, funk style song with Weller singing in his best soul-inspired voice. This track in particular illustrates Weller's wonderful ability to synthesize his rock and blues influences and is one of the highlights of the album.\nIt's also an excellent array of high-energy rock songs and delicate ballads. Drawing from a plethora of musical styles, Weller skillfully balances his standard song structure while exploring new musical ground, keeping each song interesting in the process. \nFrom the start to finish, As Is Now takes the listener through Weller's entire career. The album contains punk tracks such as "Come On/Let's Go" and "From the Floorboards Up," which are reminiscent of Weller's days with the Jam. "Bring Back the Funk (Parts 1 & 2)," among others, draws similarities with Weller's writing during his time with Style Council. \n"Savages" and the Beatles-inspired "Here's The Good News" are other high points of the album as well as "All On A Misty Morning," which would sound at home on a late Led Zeppelin record.\nAs a whole, this album is a great buy for fans of the Jam, Style Council or Weller alike. With As Is Now, Weller succeeds in creating an album which is a perfect combination of his lifetime of music.