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Zero 7
Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
22 Dreams
Generally favorable reviews
Based on 18 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?
Based on 10 votes
Read user comments
Rate this album >
Album Info
Label: Yep Roc
Release Date: 22 July 2008
Discs: 1 disc
Genre(s): Rock
Summary
The ninth album for Paul Weller features Blur's Graham Coxon, Little Barrie, Oasis' Noel Gallagher and Gem Archer, Ocean Colour Scene's Steve Cradock, and Stone Roses' Aziz Ibrahim.
Also By This Artist: As Is Now Illumination Studio 150
Also On The Web: Official Artist Site
What The Critics Said
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
Observer Music Monthly
Such an eclectic, ambitious record might be expected to sound disparate, desperate even, but instead it's a set of distinctive, strangely addictive songs.
Read Full Review >All Music Guide
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.
Read Full Review >Paste Magazine
His first album in three years, the likable 22 Dreams, offers a handy overview of Weller’s interests.
Read Full Review >Q Magazine
The gamble has paid off in a sometimes challenging but constantly rewarding musical odyssey. [July 2008, p.96]
Uncut
Subtract [a couple of stinkers] and you have something of a minor masterpiece--and easily Weller’s finest solo album to date.
Read Full Review >Dot Music
Ultimately, 22 Dreams is, simply put, Weller's best album since "Stanley Road", and one to be remembered for years to come.
Read Full Review >Mojo
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]
Billboard
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.
Read Full Review >PopMatters
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.
Read Full Review >Pitchfork
This stands pretty much alone in Weller's catalog in terms of sheer eclecticism and unpredictable, dream-like flow.
Read Full Review >Hartford Courant
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.
Read Full Review >Boston Globe
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.
Read Full Review >Spin
Craft can be a cage, and come the eleventeenth pleasant chord progression and workmanlike melody, the album's title may portend the listener's immediate future.
Read Full Review >The Onion (A.V. Club)
There's a sense of fun and wonder to 22 Dreams that keeps it from feeling pretentious--just not any less tedious.
Read Full Review >Filter
Weller unveils an indulgent 21-track, hit-or-miss collection that has a scope, ambition and jazzy undercurrent which suggests Pete Townshend slumming in Vegas. [Summer 2008, p.98]
What Our Users Said
The average user rating for this album is 9.3 (out of 10) based on 10 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Ian R. gave it a10:
The best Weller ever for sure. Imaginative, elegant, timeless.
cj gave it an8:
Fun and disparate album from a legend who'd gotten a case of the sames--Never thought I'd say this about Weller but the album's high points are essentially folk songs.
Thomas V. gave it a10:
Unmitigated genius! Weller is a true gifted genius and 22 Dreams is proof of that genius!
Gary W. gave it a9:
A truly imaginative work of art, made all the more amazing seeing as it comes from a 50yr old, more than 30yrs on in his career!
David G. gave it a9:
My vote for the best album I've heard for 2008 so far. The sheer scope and ambition of this album is amazing. Its common knowledge that Paul Weller has always had talent as he can at times tread water with workman like albums however with 22 dreams he is pushing himself. The album has a dream like quality that takes you you on a rewarding trip that improves with repeated listens. Rock, Pop, Soul, Funk, Free Jazz it has it all with a sense of style. Great songwriting from Weller showing who the really talented one was from the class of 77.
