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A Kind Revolution
by
A Kind Revolution Image
Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

  • Summary: The 13th full-length solo studio release for the British singer-songwriter was co-produced with Jan "Stan" Kybert and features guest appearances from PP Arnold, Madeleine Bell, Boy George, The Strypes' guitarist Josh McClorey, and Soft Machine's Robert Wyatt.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Record Collector
    May 25, 2017
    100
    This is a proper major work, revealing an artist at ease with himself without resting on his laurels. In short, it is the sound of confidence. A Kind Revolution could well be Paul Weller’s greatest album to date.
  2. PopMatters
    May 15, 2017
    90
    A Kind Revolution is a vital, confident new entry in the catalog of a man who could very easily retire but still has too much music to share.
  3. Q Magazine
    May 9, 2017
    80
    There's a crystal-clear production and a return to his most precious musical touchstones. [Jul 2017, p.115]
    All this publication's reviews
  4. American Songwriter
    May 9, 2017
    80
    With A Kind Revolution Paul Weller adds another exciting notch to his belt of terrific, under the radar (at least in the States) projects that have made him a singer/songwriter with impeccable credentials who never rests on his already impressive laurels.
  5. The Independent (UK)
    May 10, 2017
    80
    It’s a mature mix of reflection and assertion--albeit corralled this time into just ten tracks--in which Weller’s musings on life, love and society are channelled through a diverse series of musical modes, most of them constantly seeking to seep into other styles.
  6. Magnet
    Jun 28, 2017
    80
    Weller has always created a fine present out of traces of the past; A Kind Revolution is a funkier present. [No. 143, p.60]
    All this publication's reviews
  7. The Observer (UK)
    May 15, 2017
    60
    It reins in the genre-hopping. Although some of the magic is lost in the process, it consequently comes across as a more cohesive album, one that’s suffused with warmth and optimism, giving equal weight to rock, soul and jazz.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. AdamChristing
    Jun 6, 2017
    10
    A musical feast!
    This one will grow on you. It has all the best parts of all-things-Weller.
    Even the instrumental numbers COOK. Need a    A musical feast!
    This one will grow on you. It has all the best parts of all-things-Weller.
    Even the instrumental numbers COOK. Need a lift? Check out: "The Cranes Are Back" (and so is PW).
    Not that he ever went away....but this is his best album in years. And That is saying a lot!    … Expand
  2. NeutralMilkH
    May 13, 2017
    9
    I've never listened to Paul Weller before, with that being said, it is immediately clear what style he's trying to go for right away (ALL OFI've never listened to Paul Weller before, with that being said, it is immediately clear what style he's trying to go for right away (ALL OF THEM... except for pop, thank god.) Also, after taking a closer listen to the lyrics, I found that Weller was trying to write challenging lyrics to battle his fun instrumentations. For the most part, he succeeds... just like the title "A Kind Revolution" succeeds, because that kind of wordplay just isn't used in music anymore.

    Overall: 9/10

    Paul Weller shifts through upbeat and downbeat songs with such swiftness... it makes me wonder why I've never heard of him until now.    … Expand
  4. JoeMChatt
    Jun 3, 2017
    9
    Paul Weller sang about youth back in the 70's with his band The Jam. 40 years later he is inspired by his time spent getting older. He seemsPaul Weller sang about youth back in the 70's with his band The Jam. 40 years later he is inspired by his time spent getting older. He seems focused on these great songs and it seems he even has more to give that he use to. A Kind Revolution has an arsenal of music that is going to help cement his legacy.
    Some of the lyrics are lacking imagination "I can't seem to let it go / There's too much to do" (from 'Nova' the lead single that is sort of Bowie-esque)
    Other than that minor flaw, Paul Weller seems to be inventive and surprising on this album
    Key Track
    'One Tear' is a funky disco pulse in the realm of Boy George.    … Expand

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