SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: RICHARD ASHCROFT – LOVIN’ YOU

RICHARD ASHCROFT
LOVIN’ YOU
VIRGIN RECORDS/UNIVERSAL MUSIC

Lovin’ You is Richard Ashcroft’s seventh album. Ashcroft has come up with a very strong album with Lovin’ You. Since his first solo album, each album from Ashcroft has been very unique although clearly a Richard Ashcroft album. While Lovin’ You, it is less musically consistent and much more diverse, it is an interesting and engaging album. The songs on the album transition from dance to country to easy rock and all stops in between

The album kicks off with Ashcroft’s take on Joan Armatrading “Love and Affection,” here titled “Lover.” It is a much more dance oriented, bordering hip hop, and Ashcroft tackles it with ease. This is followed by the country flavoured “Out Of These Blues,” which suits Ashcroft’s voice and the musical accompaniment is perfect. Later in the album, a track like “Heavy News” is a much harder rocker, which has the spirit of glam rock from the mid 1970s. As I said, Ashcroft is all over the musical landscape with Lovin’ You.

Ashcroft is not trying to reinvent the wheel with the album, and at times he references his influences. For example, “I’m A Rebel” borrows from Paul McCartneys “Find My Way” (from McCartney III). “Crimson Fire” (co-written by Mirwais of Madonna fame) tips its hat to Bruce Springsteen as the song would not be out of place on the last studio album by Springsteen. He is not copying, but rather paying homage and he still makes the songs his own.

The album is at its best when Ashcroft is just Ashcroft, such as the last track on the album, “Fly To The Sun,” or the very 1990s “Lovin’ You.” It is on these songs that Ashcroft shines and his true talent and brilliance burst through. The songs are melodic and yet unpredictable and allow the listener to really focus on the music and lyrics.

Lovin’ You is very much an album about and for love. Singing about hope (“Living With Hope”) and love populate this album, which is a nice and positive message, especially these days. Ashcroft has crafted a great album, and it is great to have him back. Ashcroft co-produced the album with Chris Potter and Emre Ramazanoglu and the trio have made a beautiful sounding album.

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