Acclaimed U.K. artist Richard Ashcroft will release his first studio album in several years, These People, on May 20 via Harvest Records. The second single, “Hold On,” premiered today on BBC Radio 2 and can now be streamed in the US.
“Hold On” is a mellow yet exciting song that shows off Ashcroft’s fantastic vocals over inspirational lyrics, and no doubt is but a small taste of the greatness to come with These People. Ashcroft was inspired to write the album after “watching personal and world events take a darker turn,” and the songs address controversial topics such topics as the war in Syria, the Arab Spring uprisings and the death of a friend. However, there is also a sense of hope that is apparent in “Hold On” and the first single “This Is How It Feels.” It has been several years since Ashcroft released his last studio album, and These People is said to be one of his best yet.
Ashcroft has an impressive musical resume. He was the lead singer and occasional guitarist of the alternative rock band The Verve from their formation in 1990 until their split in 1999, and later became a solo artist and released three UK top three albums. The Verve reformed in 2007, but again broke up in summer 2009. Ashcroft’s other band, RPA & The United Nations of Sound, released an album back in 2010 but have not been active since. He has been an unstoppable force in the alternative rock scene for over 25 years, and that doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon.
He is truly a legend in his own right, and multiple sources agree. “A Legend Returns,” proclaimed NME in a recent cover story on Ashcroft, which hailed These People as “brilliant…a slice of classic Verve song craft with modernist electronic touches.” Ashcroft has sold over 80 million albums, been honored with two BRIT awards and a GRAMMY nomination for The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony.” He is equally appreciated by fans, critics and peers alike, as even Coldplay front man Chris Martin has called him “the best singer of all time.”
Check out the full track listing for These People below and be sure to pick up the album when it becomes available on May 20.
These People – Track Listing
01. Out Of My Body
02. This Is How It Feels
03. They Don’t Own Me
04. Hold On
05. These People
06. Everybody Needs Somebody To Hurt
07. Picture Of You
08. Black Lines
09. Ain’t The Future So Bright
10. Songs Of Experience
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