Sonik Kicks
by Paul Weller
  • Record Label: Yep Roc
  • Release Date: Mar 27, 2012
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. AllMusic
    Mar 29, 2012
    90
    This is a record that buzzes with ideas, it's giddy with the noise it makes, and once its initial rush fades away, it still has plenty to offer in substantive songs and sheer sonic pleasure.
  2. Magnet
    Mar 20, 2012
    85
    It's a wonderful-sounding record, too, lushly textured... and one that demands to be played at full volume. [No.85 p.61]
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  3. Entertainment Weekly
    Mar 28, 2012
    83
    His kicks encompass dub reggae, acoustic soul, and excellently twitchy psychedelia. [30 Mar 2012, p.75]
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  5. The Telegraph (UK)
    Mar 23, 2012
    80
    Sonically speaking, Weller seriously kicks it.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    Mar 20, 2012
    80
    Sonik Kicks is the sound of Paul Weller growing old the only way he could--not particularly gracefully, but with no small amount of style.
  7. PopMatters
    Mar 20, 2012
    80
    Weller has made an extremely worthy case for remaining the master of his craft.
  8. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Mar 19, 2012
    80
    His most enjoyable LP since Our Favourite Shop.
  9. Drowned In Sound
    Mar 15, 2012
    80
    Weller seems enthusiastic, upbeat and genuinely inventive across the whole LP, with only a couple of minor missteps throughout.
  10. The Guardian
    Mar 15, 2012
    80
    You have to marvel that a 53-year-old man can still make music so brimming with adventure.
  11. Uncut
    Mar 13, 2012
    80
    The kids know where it's at, and so, in this career-high purple patch, does Paul Weller. [Apr 2012, p.69]
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  12. BBC Music
    Mar 12, 2012
    80
    Psychedelic, kaleidoscopic pop... heady and brilliant.
  13. The Independent (UK)
    Mar 8, 2012
    80
    While not as immediately career-defining as Wake Up the Nation, there's no denying that with Sonik Kicks, Paul Weller is continuing the courageous, exploratory course established on 2008's 22 Dreams.
  14. Q Magazine
    Feb 21, 2012
    80
    All the evidence anyone needs that the 50-something Weller is in the midst of a supersonic prime. [Mar 2012, p. 98]
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  15. Blurt Magazine
    Apr 3, 2012
    70
    Sonik Kicks may prove his most intriguing effort yet, an album awash in psychedelic suggestion, cosmic noodling and swooping, soaring performances driven by fresh enthusiasm.
  16. Sputnikmusic
    Mar 28, 2012
    70
    Sonik Kicks rather helpfully lives up to its name.
  17. DIY Magazine
    Mar 20, 2012
    70
    Most definitely one of the best albums of the year so far.
  18. The A.V. Club
    Apr 3, 2012
    67
    With Sonik Kicks, Weller's silk-and-smoke voice sounds as good as ever, and his status as a soulful, folky, yet forceful songsmith remains ironclad. Next time around, though, an extra round of editing might not hurt.
  19. Paste Magazine
    Mar 27, 2012
    67
    Sonik Kicks stays right at that line, but teeters just enough to keep it from realizing the artistic success that it approaches.
  20. Pitchfork
    Mar 26, 2012
    65
    Sonik Kicks is a good record, but it doesn't have the songwriting depth and range of its two predecessors, and as admirable as it is that Weller is still playing with his formula and searching for something new to do with it, the electronics here do the songs few favors.
  21. Los Angeles Times
    Mar 27, 2012
    63
    It's not until everything slows down for the ballad "By the Waters" that classic Weller appears.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 11 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. AlexxTrusc
    May 13, 2012
    7
    Sonik Kicks is the eleventh in Paul Weller's career album kept in the style of rock. Anyway, a very decent album, on which also appear NoelSonik Kicks is the eleventh in Paul Weller's career album kept in the style of rock. Anyway, a very decent album, on which also appear Noel Gallagher and Graham Coxon from Blur band. While listening it is worth paying attention to: "Around The Lake" - led by the bass parts, or interestingly arranged, electronic "Green".… Full Review »
  2. Ricko
    Apr 30, 2012
    8
    This is one of the best Paul Weller records I have heard. The songs are really strong, the production is fairly experimental and overall it'sThis is one of the best Paul Weller records I have heard. The songs are really strong, the production is fairly experimental and overall it's an enjoyable record. The Modfather is leading by example, still trying out new things that those he's influenced (eg Noel Galagher) still wouldn't dream of doing on a record.… Full Review »
  3. carlos86archer
    Apr 5, 2012
    9
    This is Weller at his best. He shows all the critcs that he is able to fuse different Genres together and produce an album that surpasses allThis is Weller at his best. He shows all the critcs that he is able to fuse different Genres together and produce an album that surpasses all before! If you like Weller of old dont be fooled to think this is a Jam sound a like album. This stands on its own two feet, and gives him even more creditiblity. Dragonfly, By the water and Attic are my stand out tracks. Must own!… Full Review »
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