Metascore
86

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 16
  2. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. 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. Mojo
    May 9, 2017
    100
    An album that ranks among his finest work, not just for its strident messages of hope, but also for simply possessing such a high quotient of unimpeachable songs. [Jun 2017, p.84]
  3. 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.
  4. May 9, 2017
    90
    A Kind Revolution never feels fragmentary, even though it’s certainly wide-ranging and eclectic. The difference is that Weller really gives his best ideas time to develop here, and his usual frenzied pacing is relaxed a bit, letting the songs fully unfold.
  5. 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]
  6. May 30, 2017
    80
    The production, composing, arrangements, and playing makes A Kind Revolution something uniquely special in the Paul Weller catalogue. Weller is a talent like no other, and you will not be disappointed.
  7. May 19, 2017
    80
    So while the production isn’t as in-your-face as before, the flourishes that characterised those releases are here deployed to subtle effect on an album that’s only too happy to explore a variety of stylistic routes including blues, jazz, deep house and dub elements to make a surprisingly coherent and cohesive statement.
  8. May 11, 2017
    80
    It’s all robustly written and emotionally satisfying, particularly The Cranes Are Back, a jazz-gospel plea for global understanding that ranks as one of the most beautiful things Weller has ever done.
  9. 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.
  10. 80
    He may have started out as the quintessential angry young man, but he’s become a textbook study in growing old gracefully--by doggedly refusing to stay set in his ways, Paul Weller keeps finding new ones to surprise us.
  11. 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]
  12. Uncut
    May 9, 2017
    80
    A Kind Revolution shows that Weller's Indian summer of creativity--one that started with 2008's 22 Dreams--shows no sign of ending. [Jun 2017, p.20]
  13. 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.
  14. May 15, 2017
    70
    A Kind Revolution nevertheless feels cozy, a record designed to provide nothing but comfort and that's an unusual twist for Paul Weller.
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. 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!
    Full Review »
  2. 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.
    Full Review »
  3. 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.
    Full Review »