Richard Ashcroft "Keys to the World" (Virgin)
By
Wednesday. May 10, 5:13 AM
He has talent, he just needs direction.

I think it is safe to say that one of the most influential bands in my life and musical career is The Verve. They were a true rock band, moved by inspiration and improvisation. Their jams are some of the best put to tape. They were led by their fearless leader: a rebel named Richard Ashcroft. He was a giant with a velvety voice that could rock or soothe. He was enigmatic and compelling to watch and listen to. He was a baritone in the land of tenors. He was the vision of something bigger than the sum of its parts. Where did he go?

I so desperately wanted to like his newest, Keys to the World, but it left me wanting more. The unfortunate thing about a legacy is that it is impossible to fill. On each of Ashcroft’s solo efforts, he drifts further away from his past. Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing… but unfortunately for Ashcroft, his present work pale in comparison to his earlier glory. Granted, there are moments of brilliance on Keys to the World, which supplant the little hope that remains, but nothing that substantiates any momentum. I feel like Ashcroft is trying too hard, which in effect renders his latest offering bland and contrived. If you want to relive any Verve memories, this is not the album to do it with… well, apart from the single “Break the Night With Colour.” All that having been said, it was still nice to hear that voice. I still have a little hope that Ashcroft will someday make good of the promise he left us with when The Verve self destructed. He has talent, he just needs direction.
www.richardashcroft.com
www.virginrecords.com

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Scott Conine

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