Sonik Kicks
Paul Weller · 2012
43 min · 14 tracks · new wave
A kaleidoscopic blend of new wave textures and pop melodies that captures a spirit of playful experimentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Green Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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That Dangerous Age — This track features an infectious chorus and explores themes of nostalgia and the passage of time, encapsulating the album's reflective tone.
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Kling I Klang — With its catchy hooks and playful lyrics, this song exemplifies Weller's knack for blending humor with serious undertones, showcasing his artistic versatility.
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Paperchase — A standout track marked by its intricate instrumentation and introspective lyrics, it highlights Weller's ability to weave personal storytelling into his music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases eclectic sounds and structures but lacks a strong cohesive narrative throughout.
What we noticed
- The album features a diverse range of instrumentation, including synthesizers, guitars, and brass, creating a layered soundscape across its tracks.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as abrupt tempo changes and extended instrumental sections.
- The first half of the album maintains a more upbeat tempo, while the latter half introduces slower, more reflective pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- upbeat melodies for afternoon drives
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- introspective moments for reflection
- short tracks for quick listens
Maybe skip if you
- prefer longer, immersive albums
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Embraces a playful, eclectic sound that departs from Weller's established style.
- Career context
- Released in 2012, Sonik Kicks is Paul Weller's tenth studio album, following his critically acclaimed 2010 release, Wake Up The Nation. At this point in his career, Weller was embracing a more eclectic sound, shifting away from the traditional rock influences of his earlier work and exploring new sonic territories.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Jam· Ocean Colour Scene· Squeeze
Tracklist
- 1 Green Start here 3:03
- 2 The Attic 2:15
- 3 Kling I Klang 3:14
- 4 Sleep of the Serene 2:00
- 5 By the Waters 3:29
- 6 That Dangerous Age 2:30
- 7 Study in Blue 6:37
- 8 Dragonfly 3:41
- 9 When Your Garden's Overgrown 3:11
- 10 Around the Lake 2:11
- 11 Twilight 0:20
- 12 Drifters 3:07
- 13 Paperchase 5:01
- 14 Be Happy Children 2:45
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The English Riviera
Metronomy
Shares vibrant soundscapes with introspective lyrics and eclectic arrangements.
Torches
Foster the People
Combines upbeat melodies with reflective themes, creating a similar pop-infused atmosphere.
I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it
The 1975
Blends introspection and catchy pop hooks within dynamic and diverse sonic landscapes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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