Paul Weller
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Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we introduce Paul Weller, the Modfather and a towering figure whose influence on British music spans five decades.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signalled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there, or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Originated in: Woking, Surrey, England
Active years: 1972–present
Associated genres: New wave, mod revival, blue-eyed soul, alternative rock
Record labels: Go! Discs / Island / Polydor / Yep Roc
Members (solo career): Paul Weller – vocals, guitar, piano, bass, Hammond organ
Formation and Early Years
Raised in Woking, Surrey, Paul Weller grew up inspired by the Beatles, the Who, and the Small Faces.
Formed the Jam in 1972 at just 14 years old, blending punk energy with sharp songwriting that reflected working-class British life.
By 1977, the Jam broke into the UK Top 40 with "In the City," setting the stage for their meteoric rise.
Rise to Prominence
As leader of the Jam, Weller wrote anthems like "The Eton Rifles" and "Going Underground," combining sharp social commentary with energetic punk rock.
Dissolving the Jam at their peak in 1982, Weller reinvented himself with the Style Council, embracing jazz, soul, and sophisti-pop.
Launched his solo career in 1992, becoming a linchpin of the Britpop movement with albums like Wild Wood and Stanley Road.
Commercial Success and Albums
Stanley Road (1995): Topped charts and delivered hits like "The Changingman," selling over one million copies in the UK alone.
22 Dreams (2008): A double album showcasing Weller’s experimental side, fusing jazz, folk, and even classical influences.
On Sunset (2020): Marked his seventh UK number-one album, cementing his reputation as an artist of enduring relevance.
Later Activities and Legacy
Continued to innovate with albums like Fat Pop (Volume 1) (2021) and 66 (2024), collaborating with diverse artists like Noel Gallagher and Bobby Gillespie.
Played a pivotal role in mentoring younger Britpop bands like Oasis, often referred to as their spiritual guide.
Received accolades including Brit Awards, an Ivor Novello, and the Godlike Genius Award from NME.
Notable Facts
Known as the "Modfather," Weller revitalized mod culture in the 70s and 80s, influencing generations of British youth.
First artist to have UK number-one albums in five consecutive decades, a distinction he shares with Paul McCartney and John Lennon.
Declined a CBE in 2006, stating he preferred not to be part of the establishment.
Defining Lyric
"Is happiness real or am I so jaded?" — The Changingman
Discography
Paul Weller (1992)
Wild Wood (1993)
Stanley Road (1995)
Heavy Soul (1997)
Heliocentric (2000)
Illumination (2002)
Studio 150 (2004)
As Is Now (2005)
22 Dreams (2008)
Wake Up the Nation (2010)
Sonik Kicks (2012)
Saturns Pattern (2015)
A Kind Revolution (2017)
True Meanings (2018)
On Sunset (2020)
Fat Pop (Volume 1) (2021)
66 (2024)
Essential Listening
"The Changingman" (1995): A rallying cry of reinvention, blending power chords and introspection.
"Wild Wood" (1993): A haunting reflection on life’s crossroads, steeped in acoustic beauty.
"You Do Something to Me" (1995): One of the most iconic ballads in British music.
Why You Should Be Listening to Paul Weller Now
Paul Weller’s career is a masterclass in reinvention, artistry, and resilience. From the fiery punk of the Jam to the soulful experiments of the Style Council and his groundbreaking solo work, Weller’s music remains as vital as ever. Whether revisiting classics or discovering his latest work, Weller’s catalog offers something timeless and transformative.
See you on down the road.
