Paul Weller announces new album ’66’
British musical icon Paul Weller has shared details of his upcoming solo album, 66, set for release on May 24th through Polydor Records.
The upcoming record marks Weller’s 17th as a solo artist, and a day after the LP is born into the world, Weller will turn 66-years-old. To tease the forthcoming album, the former frontman of The Jam and The Style Council has shared the new track, ‘Soul Wandering’, which he co-wrote alongside Primal Scream vocalist Bobby Gillespie.
The majority of 66 has been produced by Weller, except ‘My Best Friend’s Coat’ and ‘A Glimpse of You’ which were taken care of by Christophe Vaillant . Meanwhile, ‘In Full Flight’ and ‘Burn Out’ were co-produced by White Label and Charles Rees, respectively.
The 12 track album was recorded at Weller’s Black Barn studio over the last three years. In addition to Gillespie assisting with ‘Soul Wandering’, Noel Gallagher contributed to the lyrics of ‘Jumble Queen’ and Madness singer Suggs provided a helping hand on ‘Ship Of Fools’.
66 promises to see Weller “continually finding new ways to alchemise the miracle of living and the meaning of it all,” according to press materials. Furthermore, the artwork has been supplied by Sir Peter Blake, who has teamed up with Weller for the first time since 1995’s Stanley Road.
Ahead of the release of 66 in May, Weller is set to hit the road on a theatre tour in April, playing historic venues such as Sheffield City Hall, London’s Shepherds Bush Empire, and De Montford Hall in Leicester.
In 2021, following the release of his last album, On Sunset, Weller claimed it may be his last record, which thankfully didn’t prove to be the case. He said: “I don’t know if I’ll make any more records after this one; it’s hard to say at the moment. This is my 16th solo album! I can’t believe it!”
“I often think that after I finish an album – there’s so much more involved in making/putting out albums these days,” Weller continued.
Listen to ‘Soul Wandering’ below.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.