LP - Black Vinyl
As is so often the case for overnight successes, the Jam rush-recorded their sophomore effort during a hurried schedule to capitalise on the debut. This, combined with Paul Weller's various personal distractions and temporary lack of interest, led to less than satisfying results, especially in comparison to In the City.
This is the Modern World can be faulted for borrowed Who licks, pale rewrites of the debut, somewhat cliched sloganeering, and unfinished ideas, but there were still some moments of inspiration, especially in more introspective Weller songs like "Life From A Window" and "I Need You (For Someone)" - both songs feature personal sentiments that the debut was clearly missing. This is the Modern World is a flawed album by Jam standards, but it would certainly have received praise had it been released by another band.
Tracklist:
A1 The Modern World
A2 London Traffic
A3 Standards
A4 Life From A Window
A5 The Combine
A6 Don't Tell Them You're Sane
B1 In The Street, Today
B2 London Girl
B3 I Need You (For Someone)
B4 Here Comes The Weekend
B5 Tonight At Noon
B6 In The Midnight Hour