Paul Weller: An Orchestrated Songbook (2LP)

With 63 years, 16 studio albums and many more live albums under his belt, one would think Paul Weller could rest on his considerable catalog. But the British singer, musician, composer and "Godfather of Britpop" is far from tired or even retired. On the contrary, in 2021 he'll be revving up once again and celebrating a premiere to boot. Following his two number one albums "On Sunset" (2020) and "Fat Pop (Volume I)" (2021), Weller is releasing another concert album at the end of the year. "An Orchestrated Songbook" is the significant title because it is an orchestral album. On May 15, 2021, Paul Weller gave an extraordinary concert with the BBC Symphony Orchestra under the musical direction of English conductor, composer and arranger Jules Buckley, who has worked in the past with artists such as Massive Attack, John Cale and Dizzee Rascal. Weller, on the other hand, performed with a full orchestra for the first time in his career. Together they performed an 18-song, roughly 75-minute best-of from his entire discography, including hits, classics and new songs such as "Wild Wood," "You Do Something To Me," "On Sunset," "Bowie" and The Jam's "English Rose." The full track listing of "An Orchestrated Songbook" can be found below. In addition to the orchestra, Paul was accompanied by his longtime collaborator and guitarist Steve Cradock. Performance highlights also include three guest appearances by British singer James Morrison, Culture Club icon Boy George and American-British singer-songwriter and neo-soul singer Celeste.