Paul Weller - Stanley Road

1995, Limited Edition first UK press 

Year Released: 1995

Genre: Rock, Britrock, Blue-Eyed Soul

Description:

Stanley Road is the third solo studio album by English singer-songwriter and musician Paul Weller, released on May 15, 1995. The album is a pivotal work in Weller's career, as it not only cemented his comeback as a major artist in the 1990s but also established him as a "godfather" figure to the Britpop movement. The album takes its name from the street in Woking, England, where Weller grew up, and its overall feel is a nostalgic look back at his youth and musical roots.

The album's sound is a rich and soulful fusion of the rock and R&B influences that have defined Weller's work since his time with The Jam and The Style Council. It is a more rock-oriented album than his previous solo efforts, with a raw, live, and organic feel. The songs are driven by powerful guitar riffs, a tight rhythm section, and Weller's distinctive vocals. The album features a number of collaborations, most notably with Oasis's Noel Gallagher, who contributes acoustic guitar to the cover of Dr. John's "I Walk on Gilded Splinters," and with Traffic's Steve Winwood, who plays piano and Hammond organ on two tracks.

Stanley Road was a massive commercial and critical success. It debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and became Weller's best-selling album to date, earning multi-platinum status. The album features a number of classic singles that became radio staples, including "The Changingman," "You Do Something to Me," and "Broken Stones." Its iconic cover art was designed by Sir Peter Blake, the same artist who created the cover for The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. The collage on the cover features various cultural icons that influenced Weller, including images of John Lennon, The Who, and George Best, cementing its status as a timeless piece of art that perfectly represents Weller's musical journey and influences