Hit Parade (Digital Edition)

iTunes Review

Paul Weller is British pop star royalty. He established his reputation as the leader of the mod-influenced, punk-era (1977-82) Jam before fronting the soul-derived Style Council in the ‘80s and forging a solo career throughout the ‘90s and onward that has now included eight critically acclaimed solo albums. Hit Parade is his first-ever complete career retrospective, and it’s an embarrassment of riches. “Town Called Malice,” “Going Underground,” “That’s Entertainment” and “My Ever Changing Moods” are among the most affecting songs of any era, heard here alongside other carefully crafted, less known material putting Weller’s reputation beyond reproach. His twist from vibrant new wave pop-rock to soul music emerged gradually within the Jam where his literate works were subjected to powerful thrashings, eventually leading to the mannered productions that have since become his trademark. He has never achieved massive success in the United States, but his influence on the Brit Pop movement, from Blur to Oasis, is undeniable and deeply felt.