Album Review: Richard Ashcroft – Lovin’ You
Lovin’ You
Richard Ashcroft, the lord of the melody returns with ‘Lovin’ You‘ his sixth official solo album and it couldn’t have come at a sweeter time. Fresh from joining Oasis for the Live 25 shows and selling out arenas on his own, Ashcroft’s riding a new wave of momentum, and this record proves he’s still got plenty left to say.
Order ‘Lovin’ You’ here: https://richardashcroft.lnk.to/LovinYouAlbum
The album opens with ‘Lover‘, a tune that’s also been his live opener during those Oasis guest slots. Written by Ashcroft himself, it’s a special one, marking the first time since ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony‘ that he’s woven elements of another song into his work. This time, it’s ‘Love and Affection‘ by Joan Armatrading, a long-time favourite of his. With Armatrading’s blessing, Ashcroft reimagines the classic with a modern orchestral twist that feels nostalgic yet completely his own.
Co-produced with Emre Ramazanoglu, the track blends acoustic guitars, sweeping strings, and layered harmonies into a rich soundscape that balances intimacy with grandeur. There’s even a touch of glam-rock swagger and spoken-word phrasing that keeps it fresh. The accompanying video adds another layer, immersive LED visuals that mirror the emotional pulse of the song perfectly.
‘Out Of These Blues‘ follows and lands like classic Ashcroft, a soulful, bluesy ballad that wouldn’t feel out of place on ‘Alone With Everybody‘. It’s him at his most natural, leaning into that soothing delivery but still packing plenty of bite and northern grit underneath.
Just when you think the record’s going to stay mellow, ‘Heavy News‘ comes in like a freight train. It’s one of the boldest and most intense moments on the album. The production hits with real weight, layering sounds around his vocal before stripping it all back again. It’s unpredictable and dynamic, the kind of track that keeps you hanging on every twist. His voice cuts straight through, grounding the chaos while still managing to soar above it. It’s the sound of an artist fully in control of his craft.
Then, as the adrenaline fades, ‘Oh L’Amour‘ brings things back down with a soft, sombre mood that drifts into Burt Bacharach territory in the chorus, elegant, wistful and full of heart.
Out of nowhere again ‘I’m a Rebel‘ spins things on its head. Believe it or not, Ashcroft goes full disco and it actually works. It’s the biggest surprise on the record and probably the most fun too. It’s not a style you’d expect from him, but he absolutely nails it. It’s bold, groovy and unapologetically different. Some listeners might see it as a curveball but for me, it’s one of the highlights. You can imagine it going off live. Honestly, I’d love to hear a Pet Shop Boys remix, there’s so much potential in this track for something even bigger.
The title track, ‘Lovin’ You‘, is another standout. It’s got that strutting, confident energy that could’ve sat comfortably on The Verve’s ‘Forth‘ album. The repeated “Lovin’ You” nudges it toward a more dance-driven space and again, it’s crying out for a remix, a dark, pulsing rework from UNKLE would be unreal.
The record closes beautifully with ‘Fly to the Sun‘, It feels like both a farewell and a release, carrying a touch of that Noel Gallagher-style anthem writing, hopeful but heavy with experience. Ashcroft delivers it with a calm assurance, as if he’s finally made peace with everything he’s carried.
Lyrically, it’s one of his most open songs. When he admits, “love can be cruel,” it lands quietly, without the drama and when he sings, “Fly to the sun, there’s nothing gonna burn you now,” it feels like a genuine letting go, of pain? Of ego? Or maybe even of who he used to be. The arrangement swells gently, balancing warmth and melancholy with Ashcroft’s vocal right at the centre, weary but strong, pushing emotion without overplaying it. It’s a perfect closer, leaving that familiar feeling only Ashcroft can deliver: endings that still carry hope.
On first listen, ‘Lovin’ You‘ is an album that’s hard to pin down, full of twists, turns and curveballs that take you on a proper journey. It’s got heartache, hope, swagger and defiance, all this through Rock ‘n’ Roll, Pop and Soul. Classic Ashcroft emotion that feels honest and alive.
