As Is Now
by Paul Weller
  • Record Label: Yep Roc
  • Release Date: Oct 11, 2005
Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. Mojo
    80
    As Is Now may be his finest and most consistent record since 1993's Wild Wood; possibly even since the days of The Jam. [Nov 2005, p.100]
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  2. AllMusic
    80
    One of his more satisfying solo albums.
  3. Q Magazine
    80
    His finest collection of material for 10 years (at least). [Nov 2005, p.118]
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  5. Uncut
    80
    A work of rejuvenating power on which Weller and his long-serving band attain a new sense of purpose and focus. [Nov 2005, p.94]
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  6. Pitchfork
    72
    Where on the first listen I found it merely okay, it's a record that reveals itself as a work of surprising depth and detail when you give it multiple spins.
  7. PopMatters
    70
    Retrospective. Mature. Derivative. In places excellent. This album is not exactly a return to form but it is by no means a failure either.
  8. Dot Music
    70
    [His] most satisfying collection of material since 1993's "Wild Wood".
  9. musicOMH.com
    70
    As Is Now sees Weller revisiting various points of his varied career and updating them. So there's the brittle guitar pop of Come On/Let's Go which recalls The Jam, the pastoral, laid back vibe of Wild Wood in All On A Misty Morning and even the ghost of the Style Council is resurrected in Bring Back The Funk.
  10. New Musical Express (NME)
    70
    Truly, Weller's back. And this time, he rules.
  11. Filter
    66
    If you're a fan, As Is Now will probably fulfill all your medium-level expectations. [#17, p.105]
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  12. Paste Magazine
    60
    The great thing about Weller at this point is that he'll shuffle the deck every other song and often (if not always) come up with a face card. [Feb/Mar 2006, p.103]
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  13. The Guardian
    60
    While it may be better, it certainly isn't best.
  14. Stylus Magazine
    50
    A great study in songcraft, but not a consistently exciting listen.

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: 1 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. PhilipB
    Jan 29, 2006
    7
    It must be very difficult being a musical icon with a long track record. Approaching 50 years of age is it likely that Weller would produce a It must be very difficult being a musical icon with a long track record. Approaching 50 years of age is it likely that Weller would produce a record that could match his earlier Jam, Style Council or solo efforts? This latest offering is pleasant and inoffensive - good but not great. It will earn him no new fans but should, by the same token, lose him few.… Full Review »
  2. khansen
    Jan 24, 2006
    9
    Holy crap! This guy is still making great records nearly 30 years into his career...and this is one of his best. If you like intelligent rock Holy crap! This guy is still making great records nearly 30 years into his career...and this is one of his best. If you like intelligent rock and roll, you'll love this record. I can't stop listening to it.… Full Review »
  3. MarkW
    Jan 11, 2006
    9
    Up there with his first three solo albums. Great songs and an´energy (and tempo) that has been missing from his recent works.
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