Ashcroft rocks his third album

Katie Hazlett / Reviewer

Fans of Richard Ashcroft's second album, 2003's "Human Conditions," will rejoice at his much-awaited third album, "Keys to the World."

Released on Jan. 23, 2006, in Europe and as an import title in the U.S., many believe it to be Ashcroft's best album to date.

Opening with catchy riffs on "Why Not Nothing," it progresses to the guitar driven "Music is Power." This song has an orchestral element that is reminiscent of The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony." This song is an excellent example of Ashcroft's powerful lyrics.

The third song on the album is the piano-driven "Break the Night with Colour," the first single taken from the album. It is a beautiful illustration of Ashcroft's songwriting abilities.

Key lines include "I don't want to know your secrets/ they lie heavy on my head" in the chorus and "Nothing works out right, (because) nothing ever does. "

This song is arguably the best on the record; I could even go so far as to suggest that it is the "Bittersweet Symphony" of the 21st century.

The lovely ballad "Words Just Get in the Way" is a comforting song for anyone who needs someone to be with when life gets you down.

The next standout track is "Keys to the World," which has Ashcroft claiming that he has "the keys to the world, mixed up world, suicidal world." It is making a statement that maybe he's not that lucky to have the keys to this crazy world after all.

"Sweet Brother Malcolm" is a song about redemption and triumph over life's tragedies.

"Cry Till the Morning" is a bittersweet love song to an old lover outlining what she did wrong.

The following song, "Why Do Lovers?" is a sweet song about emotions and life.

The closing songs, "Simple Song" and "World Keeps Turning," bring the album to a successful close.

This is the comeback album for those who were less than impressed with Ashcroft's last offering. That album was full of slow, deep ballads from the heart.

This time, Ashcroft is in an observing mood with stronger lyrics and a more worldly approach to his song writing. It is the approach of social conscience and feeling that makes this such a listenable record. I recommend it to anyone who is a fan of The Verve.

Standout tracks: "Why Not Nothing," "Break the Night With Colour," "Keys to the World" and "Why Do Lovers?"

Contact Katie Hazlett at pendulum@elon.edu or 278-7247.