How many artists have reached success with their original band, broke up, gone solo, and become successful again? Very few. This man, a man that was known as Mad Richard in The Verve’s heyday, now he assumes the role of solo artist, a loving companion to his wife Kate (formerly of Spiritualized), and devoted father to his newborn son, Sonny. Some critics early on said that the solo release of Alone With Everyone would ruin Richard and that he could never recreate the vibe and success The Verve once had, yet this man wrote some of The Verve’s best music on Urban Hymns. Alone With Everyone is an impressive collection of tunes that are brilliantly organized musically and written straight from the heart onto the lyric sheet.
I really don’t know where to start with this review because the record is so solid and deep. A good portion of these tracks could have appeared on Urban Hymns as the songs are laced with Richard’s amazing acoustical drive and songwriting ability, but actually the songs sound better without The Verve’s flash. The slow waltzing orchestra and harmony of “I Get My Beat” maybe would not have worked well as a collaborative effort with The Verve. Richard seemed to have a plan for this song and stuck to it going into this record. The outcome is Richard shining brighter than the sun on a clear day throughout the whole track, with carefully placed layered vocals and his soothing voice. The magnitude of Alone With Everybody lies deep within songwriting wizardry and the emotion that got poured into the record. Two of the most beautiful songs that should be played at high school dances, weddings, bar mitzvahs, and proms everywhere are “You On My Mind In My Sleep” and “On A Beach”. Both of these songs are richly embraced by the presence of pedal steel guitar guru BJ Cole, who did a colossal job on this record filling the gaps with his workmanship. “On A Beach” is one of those songs where upon first listen Richard’s voice will grab you by the heart and drag you in closer. Beautiful work from a beautiful songwriter.
Don’t think all of the songs are wishy-washy; this album has an upbeat drive and vibrant rock and roll flavor. The first single, “Song For Lovers”, and “New York” showcase how Richard and his studio members can pick up a guitar and lay down a steady lick. Flipping deeper to “C’mon People (We’re Making It Now)”, he takes a bit of a risk as he heads into the upbeat pop detour.
Alone With Everyone is one of the finest releases I have found in the last couple of months. I could have whined about how The Verve were one of the great psychedelic rock bands ever, but instead I only want to wish Richard Ashcroft’s solo efforts the best of success in the future. Alone With Everybody gets the solid seal of approval.
+larry sarzyniak
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.