The Style Council

The Profile

The Style Council were a British group formed in 1983 by Paul Weller and Mick Talbot. Active through 1989, they blended soul, jazz, pop and political commentary, scoring major UK hits and notable international success.

Formed by Paul Weller (after The Jam) and keyboardist Mick Talbot in 1983; active until 1989. Known for the albums Café Bleu and Our Favourite Shop and singles such as Speak Like a Child, Long Hot Summer, My Ever Changing Moods, Shout to the Top! and Walls Come Tumbling Down!. Their work mixed sophisti-pop, soul and jazz with explicitly political lyrics.

Four DeBaser reviews chart The Style Council’s move from Jam-era mod grit to a suave mix of jazz, soul and pop. Café Bleu gets praise for its nocturnal jazz shading; Our Favourite Shop is spotlighted for sharp, explicitly political songwriting and enduring singles. Introducing… is framed as the sophisticated opening salvo. Overall tone: admiring, with wry asides and nostalgia.