22 Dreams
by Paul Weller
  • Record Label: Yep Roc
  • Release Date: Jul 22, 2008
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 18
  3. Negative: 1 out of 18
  1. Observer Music Monthly
    100
    Such an eclectic, ambitious record might be expected to sound disparate, desperate even, but instead it's a set of distinctive, strangely addictive songs.
  2. AllMusic
    90
    Although it shares superficial sonic similarities with his other records, 22 Dreams is really unlike any of Weller's other albums, as it's rich in sound and feeling, possessing a shimmering dreamy quality. It's an album to get lost in.
  3. Dot Music
    80
    Ultimately, 22 Dreams is, simply put, Weller's best album since "Stanley Road", and one to be remembered for years to come.
  5. Mojo
    80
    There are great albums that are nose-to-tail singles, but 22 Dreams is not one of them. Settle in for the duration, however, and expect a genuine trip. [June 2008, p.104]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. NOW Magazine
    80
    Well sharp.
  7. Q Magazine
    80
    The gamble has paid off in a sometimes challenging but constantly rewarding musical odyssey. [July 2008, p.96]
    All this publication's reviews
  8. The Guardian
    80
    22 Dreams is a triumph of the most unexpected kind.
  9. Uncut
    80
    Subtract [a couple of stinkers] and you have something of a minor masterpiece--and easily Weller’s finest solo album to date.
  10. Billboard
    80
    Paul Weller's all over the place with his ninth solo album--he visits all his touchstones, but there's less nostalgia and more experimentation infused into the tracks than usual. And that's a good thing.
  11. PopMatters
    80
    Apart from being the most eclectic and resourcefully imaginative solo album of Weller’s career, 22 Dreams also turns out to be one of his most consistent efforts.
  12. Paste Magazine
    80
    His first album in three years, the likable 22 Dreams, offers a handy overview of Weller’s interests.
  13. Pitchfork
    79
    This stands pretty much alone in Weller's catalog in terms of sheer eclecticism and unpredictable, dream-like flow.
  14. Hartford Courant
    70
    There are plenty of worthwhile moments, such as the banging soul romp of the title track, but Weller surrounds them with exhausting filler cuts and showboating genre change-ups.
  15. Boston Globe
    70
    Weller can seem like a dilettante, selling himself as Roy Harper one minute and Marvin Gaye the next. But that's easily forgiven. At least the Mod-father isn't resting on his laurels.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Ricko
    Nov 14, 2020
    7
    A sprawling mix of songs that showcase the length and breadth of Paul Wellers songwriting talents. Weller tries his hand at pretty muchA sprawling mix of songs that showcase the length and breadth of Paul Wellers songwriting talents. Weller tries his hand at pretty much everything across the 21 songs and if this isn't his best solo effort, it is certainly his most diverse and arguably his most ambitious. I feel it lacks the consistency of Weller's top work and while there are a good number of magic moments, I can't think of any track that would be considered a true Weller classic. In the same way that The Beatles eponymous 1968 album isn't perfect due to its scope and range, "22 Dreams" could have been better if it was more honed but then equally it may have lacked some of it's appeal… Full Review »
  2. Hagermyr
    Sep 26, 2013
    10
    A stunning return of form. The best he done since "The Gift". On "22 Dreams" we recognise different ingredients from his back-catalogue butA stunning return of form. The best he done since "The Gift". On "22 Dreams" we recognise different ingredients from his back-catalogue but here the sum of it all results in something new all together. A masterpiece!… Full Review »
  3. IanR.
    Jan 10, 2009
    10
    The best Weller ever for sure. Imaginative, elegant, timeless.
See all user reviews »