A-Side: Absolute Beginners
B-Side: Tales From The Riverbank

Record label: Polydor POSP 350
Producer: Peter Wilson & the Jam

Released: 16/10/81
Purchased: 17/10/81

Much better than the lacklustre “Funeral Pyre”, but there’s still something missing here. There’s a brass section in evidence, and it doesn’t sound at home at all. What’s wrong? Well, Paul Weller is getting comfortable. That sounds a glib accusation, but in his position it must be hard to avoid; I do hope that he isn’t satisfied with “Absolute Beginners”. (Record Mirror, 17/10/81)

This is growing on me slowly, though I’m still not fully reconciled to the disco oriented beat, which I think fails to do justice to the group. Paul Weller possesses incredible vocal range however, and sings with a confidence that is the great dividing line between The Jam and virtually all the other artists reviewed here this week.

Nevertheless, the reminiscence of lost days remains a disappointment. (NME, 10/10/81)