True Meanings
by Paul Weller
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
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  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Sep 14, 2018
    60
    True Meanings tends to blend into a lilting mush over the course of 14 tracks that rarely stray from the beige end of the sonic palette.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Sep 13, 2018
    60
    A record with some rich layers and embellishments, but you sense that the excess of outside influence might be making up for something.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 16 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 16
  3. Negative: 1 out of 16
  1. Ricko
    Dec 15, 2020
    8
    In some ways stripped back but in other aspects "True Meanings", with its elegant orchestration, smooth layers of vocals and intricateIn some ways stripped back but in other aspects "True Meanings", with its elegant orchestration, smooth layers of vocals and intricate guitars, is as complex as some of his more recent electronic tinged albums. The songwriting is sharp and the playing on the record is flawless. At times it reminds me a little of something Bacharach might have done. Weller has done some very interesting collaborations as well here, all of whom add something different to make this a special Weller release and up with the best things he has done in the last 20 years or so.… Full Review »
  2. mikejam84
    Oct 16, 2018
    10
    An absolute masterclass in songwriting, coming from a man who has had so many high points in his career already. Beautiful arrangements andAn absolute masterclass in songwriting, coming from a man who has had so many high points in his career already. Beautiful arrangements and his voice sounds so rich and textured.… Full Review »
  3. ChicagoViking
    Sep 18, 2018
    9
    "Take me back there again
    Let me feel the same way
    As I always used to say While there's still time, While there's still time" -- Mayfly    "Take me back there again
    Let me feel the same way
    As I always used to say
    While there's still time,
    While there's still time" -- Mayfly

    Looking back lyrically, yes. Recycling old ideas, no.

    Weller here traffics in beauty, different shades of it, over and over. The cool spy jazz of The Soul Searchers. The blues reflection Mayfly. Perhaps a perfect skating competition swing song, Gravity. The space-folk turned seventies mini-soul Movin On. And then Wild Horses does bring it home lyrically and guitar strummingly.

    It's a thoughtful record, well-crafted but not stifling so.

    Best Weller record ever? I don't know. I'll just enjoy it.    … Full Review »
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