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"This album was originally planned as a concept album about three childhood friends who, upon meeting after some time apart, discover the different directions in which they've grown apart. Only about half of the songs ended up following the concept due to a rushed recording schedule, but where they do, Paul Weller vividly depicts British life, male relationships, and coming to terms with entry into adulthood. Weller's observations of society are more pointed and pessimistic than ever, but at the same time, he's employed stronger melodies with a slicker production and comparatively fuller arrangements. The album often reaches brilliance and stands among The Jam's best work, but the inclusion of a number of knockoffs (especially the out-of-place cover of "Heat Wave" which closes the album) mars an otherwise perfect album." (Chris Woodstra, Allmusic; 5 uit 5 sterren) Deze deluxe-versie is aangevuld met b-kanten, singles uit dezelfde tijd en, op CD2, een door de BBC opgenomen concert uit december 1979.