Days of Speed cover

Days of Speed

Paul Weller · 2001

68 min · 18 tracks · new wave

Acoustic-driven melodies intertwine with heartfelt lyrics, capturing a raw and intimate live performance vibe.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Brand New Start Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
  • →
    You Do Something to Me — This track highlights Weller's ability to convey emotional depth through simple yet poignant lyrics and melodic structure, making it a fan favorite.
  • →
    That's Entertainment — A staple in Weller's repertoire, this song serves as a social commentary that resonates with audiences through its relatable themes and catchy refrain.
  • →
    Wild Wood — The performance captures the song’s introspective nature beautifully, showcasing Weller’s lyrical prowess and connection with the audience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases Weller's songwriting through live acoustic performances, balancing familiar hits with new interpretations.

What we noticed

  • Each song is performed with minimal instrumentation, primarily acoustic guitar, allowing the lyrics and vocal delivery to take center stage.
  • The pacing varies throughout, with some tracks maintaining a steady tempo while others slow down for more reflective moments.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • intimate moments of reflection
  • dynamic journey with varied pacing
  • acoustic warmth for quiet evenings
  • nostalgic storytelling in song
  • uplifting anthems for camaraderie

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer standalone, punchy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A live album showcasing a mix of new and old material, appreciated by dedicated fans.
Themes
British social commentary· intimate acoustic reflections· love and loss
Career context
Released in 2001, Days of Speed is Paul Weller's first live album during a period of artistic resurgence after his earlier solo works. Following the commercial success of his previous album, Heliocentric, this collection showcases Weller's evolution as an artist while reinterpreting classic tracks from his catalog.
Stylistic neighbors
The Jam· Ocean Colour Scene· Squeeze
New to Paul Weller? Find your way in →

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • You Do Something to Me

    The shift from reflective verses to an eruptive chorus encapsulates the narrator's deep emotional yearning.

    This dynamic contrast emphasizes the intensity of feeling, allowing listeners to experience the rush of infatuation in a visceral way.

Tracklist

  • 1 Brand New Start Start here 3:46
  • 2 The Loved 4:23
  • 3 Out of the Sinking 3:33
  • 4 Clues 4:40
  • 5 English Rose 2:44
  • 6 Above the Clouds 3:45
  • 7 You Do Something to Me 3:43
  • 8 Amongst Butterflies 2:57
  • 9 Science 3:53
  • 10 Back in the Fire 4:57
  • 11 Down in the Seine 2:58
  • 12 That’s Entertainment 3:29
  • 13 Love-less 4:48
  • 14 There’s No Drinking After You’re Dead 4:33
  • 15 Everything Has a Price to Pay 4:06
  • 16 Wild Wood 4:08
  • 17 Headstart for Happiness 2:51
  • 18 Town Called Malice 3:27

What to play next

Illumination
Listen next

Illumination

2002

Continues the acoustic vibe with rich melodies and introspective themes.
Live at the Royal Albert Hall
Go back to

Live at the Royal Albert Hall

2000

Sets the stage for the raw live energy that Days of Speed embodies.
Full Paul Weller discography Where to start with Paul Weller Artists like Paul Weller
new wave

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

O

O

Damien Rice

Shares intimate acoustic storytelling and emotional depth in songwriting.

Pink Moon

Pink Moon

Nick Drake

Features sparse arrangements and poignant lyrics reflecting love and introspection.

Alone with Everybody

Alone with Everybody

Richard Ashcroft

Combines British social commentary with a raw acoustic sound and lyrical vulnerability.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata