Is As Is Now a good place to start with Paul Weller?

Yes, As Is Now is recommended as a starting point for new Paul Weller listeners. A vibrant blend of sharp lyrics and melodic hooks that showcases Weller's enduring knack for songwriting. Released in 2005, As Is Now was Paul Weller's seventh solo album, following the critically acclaimed Studio 150. At this point in his career, Weller was experiencing a resurgence in popularity, building upon his legacy from The Jam and Style Council while continuing to evolve his sound as a solo artist.

Who is As Is Now for?

As Is Now works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, layered, dense sonic textures and long, immersive listening sessions.

How many songs are on As Is Now?

As Is Now has 18 tracks, running approximately 68 minutes.

As Is Now

Paul Weller · 2005

68 min · 18 tracks · new wave

A vibrant blend of sharp lyrics and melodic hooks that showcases Weller's enduring knack for songwriting.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Blink and You’ll Miss It Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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From the Floor Boards Up — This track epitomizes Weller's sharp observational lyrics paired with an infectious groove, embodying the album's energetic spirit.
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Paper Smile — With its introspective lyrics and catchy melody, this song highlights Weller's ability to weave personal narratives into broader social commentary.
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Savages — This track stands out for its raw emotion and powerful delivery, representing the album's deeper themes of societal reflection and personal struggle.
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The Start of Forever — Featuring a lush arrangement and heartfelt lyrics, this song captures a sense of hopefulness and renewal that resonates throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

56 /100

Foothills

Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting and craftsmanship but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and styles.
Several tracks incorporate layered instrumentation, with prominent guitar riffs and brass sections enhancing the melodic hooks.
The lyrics often reflect personal and social themes, delivered with a conversational tone that invites listener engagement.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
layered, dense sonic textures
long, immersive listening sessions
contemplative afternoon vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Released during a resurgence, it solidified Weller's status in mid-career.
Themes: British cultural identity· post-2000 optimism· working-class resilience
Career context: Released in 2005, As Is Now was Paul Weller's seventh solo album, following the critically acclaimed Studio 150. At this point in his career, Weller was experiencing a resurgence in popularity, building upon his legacy from The Jam and Style Council while continuing to evolve his sound as a solo artist.
Stylistic neighbors: The Jam· Ocean Colour Scene· Squeeze