Richard Ashcroft - Words Just Get In The Way Single Review

Richard Ashcroft

Words Just Get In The Way

Single

When Richard Ashcroft announced a huge outdoor gig at Old Trafford cricket ground, you'd have been forgiven for believing that the former Verve man's third solo album, "Keys To The World", was a resounding success. A week before the event, tickets were on sale at half price, a more realistic reflection that Ashcroft's output since leaving the band has flattered to deceive.

A gentle acoustic ballad sprinkled with delicate touches of piano, "Words Just Get In The Way" finds Ashcroft sounding like he isn't bothered and close to falling asleep – which doesn't bode well for the listener. It's uninspired and certainly not the best choice of release from the recent record – and makes it hard to believe that this is the same man who was full of attitude on "Bitter Sweet Symphony" and emotion with "The Drugs Don't Work".

Alex Lai

Label: Parlophone