Released in June 1985, 'Our favourite shop' represents the absolute pinnacle of The Style Council's career. After Paul Weller famously disbanded The Jam at the height of their success - a move that left the music world in complete shock - he desperately wanted the creative freedom to explore entirely new sounds. This second proper studio album is the exact moment where that ambitious vision came together beautifully. It sailed straight to number one on the UK charts, proving that Weller didn't need his old mod-punk formula to dominate the airwaves, and it remains their definitive masterpiece.

Musically, the album is a wonderfully eclectic melting pot that somehow manages to feel completely cohesive. Weller and Mick Talbot threw soul, jazz-funk, sophisti-pop, and indie folk into a blender, creating a gorgeous sonic tapestry. It has got this breezy, stylish European vibe - like drinking espresso in a Parisian cafe - but underneath the smooth surface lies a fierce political heart. The record heavily criticises Thatcher-era Britain, but does so through incredibly danceable tunes. Standout tracks like the anthemic 'Walls come tumbling down!' and the wonderfully tender 'The boy who cried wolf' show off this brilliant contrast perfectly, balancing heavy social commentary with absolute pop perfection.

Decades later, the record is still a massive joy to revisit because its energy is so infectious. It serves as a fascinating historical time capsule of the mid-eighties, but because modern music loves to blur genre boundaries, it actually feels incredibly fresh today. The sheer variety across the tracks means you never get bored, and the replay value is off the charts. It is an ideal record for anyone looking to understand how pop music can be deeply intellectual, politically sharp, and endlessly fun all at the same time.