Single Review: Richard Ashcroft – Lover
LOVER
Richard Ashcroft makes a striking return with ‘Lover‘, his first original release since 2018 and it doesn’t disappoint. The track is warm, uplifting, and unmistakably Ashcroft, capturing that big-hearted, emotional energy he’s always done so well.
Written by Ashcroft himself, ‘Lover‘ is particularly special as it marks the first time since ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony‘ that he’s incorporated elements of another song into his own work. This time, it’s ‘Love and Affection‘ by Joan Armatrading, a long-time favourite of his. With Armatrading’s blessing, Ashcroft reimagines the iconic track with a modern orchestral twist that feels both nostalgic and entirely his own.
Co-produced with Emre Ramazanoglu, the track mixes acoustic guitars, sweeping strings and layered harmonies, creating a rich soundscape that balances intimacy with scale. There’s even a hint of glam-rock swagger and spoken-word phrasing that gives it a fresh edge. The accompanying video adds to the atmosphere with immersive LED visuals that reflect the emotional undercurrent of the song beautifully.
As he warms up to support Oasis on their upcoming tour, ‘Lover‘ feels like more than just a comeback, it’s a clear statement of intent. If this is the direction Ashcroft is heading, there’s a lot to look forward to.
Read our review of ‘Acoustic Hymns Vol 1’ here: https://theindiemasterplan.co.uk/album-review-richard-ashcroft-acoustic-hymns-vol-1
