Paul Weller Illumination 180g LP

First-ever vinyl reissue of Paul Weller's sixth solo studio album, Illumination. Originally released in September 2002, the UK #1 album includes the hit singles "It's Written in The Stars" (#7) and "Leafy Mysteries" (#23) with guest performances from Carleen Anderson, Jocelyn Brown, Kelly Jones and Noel Gallagher.

Features faithful original packaging replication including bespoke sleeve with rounded corners, cut at London's Metropolis Studios and pressed on 180g vinyl at MPO in France.

There is little of the British folk and prog overtones of Heliocentric here, and soul takes the center stage; even when a track isn't explicitly soulful, it has a warm, welcoming vibe reminiscent of late-'60s/early-'70s soul. When the album drifts...it's for atmosphere, enhancing the open, warm feel of the record. Even when Weller tears loose on occasion...it functions as an effective counterpoint, emphasizing the comforting feel of the majority of the album. Best of all, it all feels effortless..., from the production to the songwriting....This, like any Weller album, is a snapshot of Weller's mood at the time, and it finds him aging gracefully and appealingly. Anybody who's gone this far with him will surely find it very satisfying.

Paul has clearly regained his sense of adventure... a spirited, joyous album.