After finding fame as the totemic frontman of The Verve, Richard Ashcroft has come to be a swaggering epitome of the 90s music scene. Known for a musical palette that consists of string-emboldened ballads and deep, full-bodied vocals, Ashcroft’s discography boasts a litany of anthems, both collaborative and solo-born. Yet with the impending release of his eighth solo album, ‘Lovin’ You’, Ashcroft’s already esteemed back catalogue is set to be made even more impressive.
Released on the 10th of October via Virgin Records and co-produced with Chris Potter and Emre Ramazanologu, ‘Lovin You’ is an explicit demonstration of the proficiency of Ashcroft’s songwriting. Tales of a well-articulated love sit atop classic, acoustic-based tracks as well as more sonic numbers, with the album even momentarily veering into the realms of electronica.
Whilst ‘Lovin You’ at times deviates from what may be heralded as ‘textbook Ashcroft’, it is evident that the album is a declaration of confidence from the singer. Decades honing his creative craft, alongside a summer spent supporting Oasis on their monumental comeback tour, have left Ashcroft’s own stage perfectly poised for his studio return.
Opening with ‘Lover’, the first single to be lifted from ‘Lovin’ You’, Ashcroft’s voice soars with a seasoned rasp. An intricately layered release, ‘Lover’ omits an almost palpable sense of adoration and jubilation, which is only bolstered by inclusions of sugary pop probings. Featuring a reinterpretation of Joan Armatrading’s 1976 track ‘Love and Affection’, the single duly sets the album’s tone.
With ‘Heavy News’, Ashcroft demonstrates his command over chugging, brash rock and gritty guitar tones. A complex wall of sound that complexly swirls with assured confidence, ‘Heavy News’ bristles with frustrated emotion as Ashcroft declares “don’t you ever say that you’re bored of life / don’t you ever say that you’ve lost that fight”. A modern ruse, ‘Heavy News’ is evidence of an Ashcroft who is both curt and ever poetic.
Alongside British ballad rock, a genre in which Ashcroft has certainly historically excelled, ‘Lovin’ You’ also boasts blues-backed numbers. With its dappling, electric guitar, ‘Out of These Blues’ bears similarities to The Rolling Stones’ ‘Wild Horses, whilst ‘Live With Hope’ is laced with slide guitar- a soulful exultation straight from Ashcroft’s leather jacket-clad soul.
Slower and gentler speeds are assumed with tracks such as ‘Oh L’Amour’ and ‘Find Another Reason’, with the former glowing with Ashcroft’s warm baritone, and the latter being a moving number fostered upon hazy, sanguine instrumentation. In a similar vein, ‘Crimson Fire’ twinkles with flurries of higher piano notes, with a percussive backbone of military style snare drumming, along the album’s closer, the intimately sombre ‘Fly To The Sun’.
Perhaps the most surprising of the album’s contents is the rather aptly named ‘I’m A Rebel’. Featuring Mirwais Ahmadzai, the French electronic dance music pioneer, ‘Im A Rebel’ burgeons with pulsating electronica-based beats, in conjunction with Ashcroft adopting a higher vocal register. ‘I’m A Rebel’ is a moreish addition to Ashcroft’s newfound creative direction and is a welcome addition to an already varied ensemble.
However, the pinnacle of ‘Lovin You’ comes with the title track and the album’s second single. Featuring a recording from Mason Williams’ 1968 track ‘Classical Gas’, the single succeeds in toeing the line between feeling familiar yet simultaneously innovative. Anchored by Ashcroft’s chatting rasp and a repeated lead refrain, ‘Lovin’ You’ ascends with warm yet commendable bravado and is sure to secure a place as a hallmark of his discography.
At some points perhaps surprising but never dysfunctional, ‘Lovin’ You’ is an apt demonstration from Ashcroft that he remains one of the UK’s most seismic musical presences. Whilst his trademark anthemic ballads remain, ‘Lovin’ You’ also encourages the tender and the daring, and is a fitting release for the Ivor Novello-winning lyricsmith.
Following the release of ‘Lovin You’, Richard Ashcroft is set to embark on his biggest headline tour to date with a nationwide run of arena shows, the first of which is on the 9th of November in Manchester. In addition, Ashcroft is set to play a handful of intimate summer showings in Reading and Ludlow. Tickets can be found here..
