Fantastic songs, bad production.

Lyrically, Heavy Soul is one of Paul's best albums. Production-wise, however, it's too cluttered. Brendan Lynch put too much psychedelia onto some of the songs, and it takes away from the whole product in the end. Peacock Suit is a good example of that, with those weird chirping noises. The songs aren't allowed to speak for themselves when they're being truncated by all the noise!

For fans of Brit pop or The Jam

The title track that starts this album is a rockin' number but not the best the album has to offer. The R+B roots can be felt throughout this album, as is the case with most Weller solo stuff I've heard. "Up in Suze's Room" smacks of the Jam and is a great tune with wonderful guitar. "Heavy Soul Part II" is a fantastic instrumental piece with also a nice, trippy electric guitar showing. Overall the album has good song writing, and if you're a fan of Weller or the Jam you won't be disappointed. "Friday Street" is a particularly good tune which shows of Weller's pipes. The album is definetely worth the purchase.

Heavy Music

After a short hiatus, Paul Weller is once again making great music (and very little filler to boot!). Heavy Soul is the more rocking side of the Weller catalogue. "Up in Suze's Room," "Heavy Soul Pt. 1," "Mermaids," "Friday Street"... all sorta-psychedelic-soulful rock. Not to mention the soulful confessional "I Should've Been There to Inspire You." Simply a breathtaking song. There is a small amount of imperfection you need to endure too, but it's a VERY small amount ("Science," and "Golden Sands"), but then again, he IS human!