Richard Ashcroft
(Razor & Tie)
It's so easy to hate the brightest kid in the class, especially when he's filled with self confidence. In the world of rock, Richard Ashcroft is clearly near the top of contemporary rockers' Dean's List. Combine his artistry and confidence with what Ashcroft said is the misguided belief that he torpedoed the Verve and you have the makings for some real school yard name calling.
That's my best guess about why some critics have gone out of their way to trash Ashcroft's United Nations of Sound as something akin to paint-by-numbers rock. Ignore them. Right from the first notes, the listener is launched on a high-speed rock journey that not only necessitates seat belts but perhaps shoulder harnesses too. Ashcroft's big, bold vocals lead the way on "Are You Ready," a shamelessly defiant rocker that is fueled by rapid-fire guitars and strings. You can feel the light production touches of No I.D., who is known for his work with Common, Kanye West and Jay-Z. This album doesn't veer into true urban territory but it's plenty street savvy. "Born Again," Ashcroft's song about rising up from the rock ashes, is another heavy-duty guitar-driven rocker but with a lighter beat and more pop overtones. It's a decent song but I prefer the no-holds-barred rock on the softly played "Glory." No, United Nations of Sound isn't a Born in the U.S.A rock classic. But it has plenty of alt-rock sounds to make it a stand out.
Much has been made about the religious themes in this set of songs. Think of the music by Patti Smith - including, of course, her famous lyric "Jesus died for somebody's sins, but not mine" on "Gloria" - and you'll have an idea of Ashcroft's use of religious words and symbolism. Quibble if you want, but that doesn't mean Ashcroft isn't still at the top of his class.
DOWNLOAD: "Are You Ready," "Born Again" NANCY DUNHAM
