SINGAPORE — The Modfather returns with a compendium of 20 hits taken from the past 14 years, as well as new singles like Starlite, Flameout and Brand New Toy.

From The Floorboards Up and 22 Dreams are solid reminders that this 56-year-old can still rock it soul-style on his old Telecaster, the lyrics vivid and emotive with Weller’s husky warbles to match.

Weller changes with the times by stubbornly refusing to stick to one consistent style throughout his music career. Having cropped, chopped and changed his style according to his ever-changing temperaments, this gave rise to his very own “mood music”. Take 22 Dreams’ haphazard piano playing, with Weller on keys soundining like marbles bouncing down a flight of stairs. It’s an oddly pronounced parade, dangerously off-key, and yet inexplicably compelling.

However, his take on Rose Royce’s Wishing On A Star may annoy fans of the TV series 10th Kingdom, with the fairytale-like instrumentals clashing horribly with his husky soul swagger. The harp, trumpet and violin instrumental combination is undoubtedly enchanting, if only Weller didn’t sound like Sting on drugs.

That aside, Weller’s nothing short of a lyrical legend, despite his adorable attempts to incorporate gentle electro-echo synths at the tail of his newer hits.