Wild Wood came out in 1993 and really feels like the moment Paul Weller fully settled into his solo identity. After the raw reset of Paul Weller and the bigger pop leanings of Wild Wood’s immediate lead-up, this album sounds like him relaxing into who he wanted to be post-Jam and Style Council. It’s confident without being loud about it, and it marked the point where people stopped waiting for a reinvention and just accepted this as Weller’s natural next phase.

The album has a warm, organic feel that pulls from folk, soul, psychedelia, and classic British pop. Acoustic guitars sit alongside gentle grooves, subtle horns, and hazy textures that give everything a lived-in quality. There’s a strong sense of space and atmosphere, like music made for long walks, late afternoons, or quiet drives. It’s reflective without being downbeat, thoughtful without getting heavy.

A few songs naturally rise to the surface. The title track is a standout, with its rolling groove and sense of calm momentum. “You Do Something to Me” is heartfelt and direct, while “Sunflower” adds a bit of swagger and sunshine. None of these feel like big statements – they just settle in and stay with you.

What makes Wild Wood such a rewarding revisit is its ease. It doesn’t demand attention, but it quietly earns it. The album flows beautifully, feels honest, and rewards repeat listens in a way that only really confident records do. It’s comfort music with depth, and it still sounds great years later.