Richard Ashcroft
Keys To The World (2006)

Richard Ashcroft's newest solo album 'Keys To The World' offers probably his best solo work to date. As a complete album this offers more than his previous ones have done so. The singles 'Music is Power' and 'Break the Night with Colour' have proved to be big successes for Ashcroft and have been received to great praises.

The title track 'Keys to the World' has similarities reminiscent to Clare Torry's wordless vocals on Pink Floyds 'The Great Gig in the Sky' with  singing during instrumental parts of the song with great passion. Another stand out track for me would be 'Sweet Brother Malcolm', just a lovely track with simple acoustic guitar, and a riff very similar to Simon & Garfunkel's 'Sounds of Silence'. The track accompanied by strings builds up to a lovely acoustic end, a personal favourite on the album.

It's a very good album by the ex-Verve from man. It's still nothing comparable to that of his old band, but still a sold effort, certainly after a couple of listens this album will be a joy to listen to. Maybe this is a start of an ever better solo career for Ashcroft, I believe whatever's next from him could be something quite brilliant.


+ Review by Ryan

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