Saturn's Pattern
by Paul Weller
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 19 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 19
  3. Negative: 0 out of 19
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  1. Blurt Magazine
    Sep 30, 2015
    60
    Though only nine songs long, Saturn’s Pattern is as close to heavenly as Weller’s ever been.
  2. Boston Globe
    May 19, 2015
    60
    With the thunderous blues-rock of “White Sky” (where his voice takes on gospel fervor), the glam momentum of “Long Time,” and the watery vibe of “These City Streets,” he remains defiantly all over the map.
  3. The Observer (UK)
    May 18, 2015
    60
    Far more satisfying are the contemplative songs, in particular These City Streets, wherein the new and old Weller are reconciled.
  5. DIY Magazine
    May 11, 2015
    60
    While the celestial sound-effects sometimes make Saturn’s Pattern sound like the soundtrack to Lost In Space or a retro computer game, generally what you can clearly hear is that Weller is creating music confidently again.
  6. Under The Radar
    Jun 24, 2015
    40
    There's a raw energy, big, booming production, and a clear love of blues licks and gospel vocals here and, true, it's not quite like anything in the guy's oeuvre to date. The thing is, The Stereophonics--a band who might as well be Weller's kids--made this exact same album in 2003.

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User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 23 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 23
  3. Negative: 3 out of 23
  1. Ricko
    Nov 27, 2020
    8
    Exceptionally consistent album from an exceptionally consistent artist. "White Sky" opens up the album with a Hendrix/Zeppelin style bluesExceptionally consistent album from an exceptionally consistent artist. "White Sky" opens up the album with a Hendrix/Zeppelin style blues rock anthem. The title track gives the listener a breather with a piano rock soulful tune. "Going My Way" starts off sedately before the tempo quickly moves up a few notches for the choruses. Tuneful and considered. "Long Time" brings Lou Reed to mind with its glam rock style and tempo. "Pick It Up" has the sound of a polished band jamming session. "I'm Where I Should Be" is probably the most instant and accessible song on the album and is excellent. "Phoenix" is a blend of soul and neo psychedelia while "In the Car" is a psychedelia infused rhythm and blues rock number. "These City Streets" is an 8 minute blues track based on a hypnotic rhythm. The album is a mix of soul and psychedelia. For me "Saturns Pattern" is an album that has been formed by a master craftsman rather than an artist who is bottling lightning. There is nothing that majorly stands out (apart maybe from "I'm Where I Should Be") but despite this it is all good quality. Well constructed and cleverly produced songs. The production is arguably more impressive than the songs and their is serious complexity behind every track that only reveals itself on many listens.… Full Review »
  2. luvmuzik1
    May 29, 2015
    10
    Probably his best album since Wildwood. There aren't many artists that are still making relevant music 10 years into their career, this guyProbably his best album since Wildwood. There aren't many artists that are still making relevant music 10 years into their career, this guy continues to turn new corners 27 years on from his first quality release, All Mod Cons.… Full Review »
  3. davim
    May 23, 2015
    8
    ‘Saturn’s Pattern’ is Paul Weller’s twelfth solo album and his first since his 2012 effort ‘Sonik Kicks’. Unlike ‘Sonik Kicks’, this LP keeps‘Saturn’s Pattern’ is Paul Weller’s twelfth solo album and his first since his 2012 effort ‘Sonik Kicks’. Unlike ‘Sonik Kicks’, this LP keeps the music to the point, with only nine tracks being present on the album. Within these 9 tracks a range of musical genres are visited, but in the process Weller manages to keep his vintage trademark sound.

    The opening track ‘White Sky’ demonstrates Paul Weller’s solo career at its best. A powerful opener, with Weller’s voice coming across distorted to encapsulate a 1960’s feel. The track ‘Long Time’ is the shortest track on the album, only just reaching the 2 minute mark; a fast, riff driven song that provides yet another contrast. ‘In The Car’ has a country feel to it, whilst ‘Going My Way’ and ‘Pick It Up’ rely upon piano and organs. Interestingly, a lot of the songs on ‘Saturn’s Pattern’ also make use of electronic sound effects and synthesisers, which give the album it’s uniqueness. It’s almost a case of classic rock being modernised in places. Either way though, Weller pulls it off effectively. My only criticism is the length of the tracks ‘Phoenix’ and ‘These City Streets’, I lost interest halfway through each of them.

    Nevertheless, a very impressive album from Paul Weller. Once again he’s showed us that he's not past his peak just yet.    … Full Review »
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