{"product_id":"illumination-vinyl-reissue-wellers-2002-solo-album-recut","title":"Illumination Vinyl Reissue - Weller's 2002 Solo Album Recut","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of Illumination, the sixth solo studio album by Paul Weller, the bottom line is simple: collectors and longtime fans seeking an authentic reissue will appreciate the faithful packaging and high-quality vinyl pressing. The 2021 reissue is aimed at listeners who value presentation and fidelity, offering a cut at London's Metropolis Studios and a heavy 180g pressing. For those who want the album for casual listening alone, a digital stream will suffice, but this edition makes a difference for physical collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal packaging replication:\u003c\/strong\u003e The reissue reproduces the rounded corners and original artwork, which preserves the visual identity of the 2002 release for collectors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e180g vinyl pressing:\u003c\/strong\u003e The heavier record offers better surface stability and a tangible sense of weight that benefits playback consistency on most turntables.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCut at Metropolis Studios:\u003c\/strong\u003e The lacquers were cut at a respected London mastering house, which typically yields clear dynamics and a focused stereo image.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGatefold jacket:\u003c\/strong\u003e The gatefold presentation gives room for artwork and liner notes and improves shelf presence compared with a standard sleeve.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e16-page booklet included:\u003c\/strong\u003e The booklet supplies lyrics and credits, adding context about guest performers and the album era for fans who want more than just the music.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis reissue is best for Paul Weller fans, vinyl collectors, and listeners who value physical presentation and mastering provenance. Those who follow the UK rock scene will appreciate the guest appearances and the fact that Illumination was Weller's second solo UK number one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less essential for buyers who only want to sample the singles such as It's Written in The Stars or Leafy Mysteries on the go; a cheaper single-disc or streaming option will serve them better. Audiophiles who demand audiophile-grade pressings may want to compare this 180g cut to other high-end releases before committing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFaithful reproduction of the original packaging makes it attractive to collectors and fans of the era.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e180g vinyl pressing provides a weighty, stable record that reduces warping risk and often improves tone.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMastered at Metropolis Studios, which is likely to preserve the album's dynamics and clarity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs a straight reissue, it does not include additional bonus tracks or alternate takes for those seeking new material.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eArtist\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePaul Weller\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAlbum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIllumination (6th solo studio album)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOriginal release\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeptember 2002\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFormat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e180g vinyl, gatefold jacket\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePackaging\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFaithful replication with rounded corners\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCut at\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMetropolis Studios, London\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBooklet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16-page booklet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIllumination's 2021 vinyl reissue is a thoughtful package for collectors and fans of Paul Weller who care about authentic presentation and a quality pressing. With a 180g pressing and Metropolis Studios cut, it represents good value for listeners who keep physical media and want a stable, well-packaged edition of Weller's #1 solo album.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this reissue include bonus tracks?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, this 2021 reissue faithfully reproduces the original album content and packaging rather than adding bonus material.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a heavyweight pressing?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the record is a 180g pressing intended to provide a more stable and durable vinyl disc.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho performed on the album?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe album features guest performances from Carleen Anderson, Jocelyn Brown, Kelly Jones and Noel Gallagher among others.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Craft Recordings","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48175594438875,"sku":"B08XZDSN8K","price":23.68,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61GRWOrS4zL._SL1400.jpg?v=1769695770","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/illumination-vinyl-reissue-wellers-2002-solo-album-recut","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}