A timely solo release that will delight his fans...
07 · 10 · 2025
Inspired by his special guest appearance at this summer’s Oasis mega shows, Richard Ashcroft presents his first album featuring new material in seven years. However, not much has changed: on ‘Lovin’ You’, he continues to reflect on the significant themes in his songwriting.
As highlighted by the title of his recent single ‘Lover’, the former frontman of The Verve draws once again from his profound love for his wife. While the themes are familiar, the music offers fresh soundscapes, revisiting a favored technique: the track features a looped riff sampled from Joan Armatrading’s ‘Love and Affection’, combined with finger snaps, strings, and a powerful bassline, resulting in a mix of soul and warmth. The song is delightfully uplifting and charmingly simple, benefiting from increased exposure.
The album shifts between introspection and motivation. ‘Out of These Blues’ has a more traditional feel, with its country-rock vibe and slide guitar resonating with his debut album ‘Alone with Everybody’. Likewise, ‘Heavy News’ continues from ‘Money Money’ featured on his previous album (‘Natural Rebel’), delivering a harder edge with dynamic vocals and intense guitars that explode during the conclusion. This venture into ‘traditional’ indie-rock is a relatively new direction for him, but it fits well.
Although the slower tracks serve their purpose, it’s the moments where he pushes boundaries—both vocally and instrumentally—that elevate the album. The standout ballad, ‘Oh L’Amour’, embodies unabashed romance, its melody reminiscent of ‘My Way’. In contrast, ‘I’m A Rebel’ delivers the greatest surprise: energetic, disco-inspired, and unapologetically bright, featuring falsetto; this curveball shows Ashcroft’s enjoyment in defying expectations. Some listeners will embrace it, while others may not, yet he’s well past worrying about that.
Indeed, despite his musical prowess, Ashcroft’s voice has always been his most powerful instrument, and his baritone remains formidable. However, he has chosen to explore new vocal styles. Alongside occasional falsettos, he uses whispering on ‘Out Of These Blues’ and adopts a gravelly tone on the title track, which resonates with ‘Are You Ready?’ and ‘Keys to the World’: steady, soulful, and rhythmically charged, sampling another riff (Mason Williams’ ‘Classical Gas’) for its foundation. In the final track, ‘Fly to the Sun’, he shines yet remains understated, echoing ‘So Sister’ from his previous band.
Richard Ashcroft doesn’t seek to reinvent himself with ‘Lovin’ You’; instead, he distills what he has always excelled at in his solo endeavors: balancing romantic devotion, spiritual exploration, and moments of defiance, all delivered with finesse and his timeless voice.
7/10
Words: Richard Bowes
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Energized by his guest appearance during the summer's major Oasis concerts, Richard Ashcroft is back with his first album of original material in seven years.