By Richard Ashcroft, 2006

The Verve fought their way to the top of the Britpop pile with a series of triumphant, world-beating anthems, but since their dissolution, frontman Richard Ashcroft's muse has led him further into introspective, acoustic territory. Quite heartening, then, that his third album kicks off with a mighty burst of brass, an ecstatic Motown rhythm and in "Why Not Nothing?", one of his most bullish, headstrong lyrics in recent memory. Ashcroft's new emphasis on classic-tinged soulfulness--a nice change from his occasional, unfortunate tendency towards lumpen Britpop blokeiness--permeates Keys To The World, a factor that sets it on a par with the likes of Weller's 2000 album Heliocentric in the return-to-form stakes.

There are two real highlights though: the swooning "Words Just Get In The Way" should see some manly tears shed, an older, wiser uncle of Coldplay's "Fix You" that offers a shoulder to cry on over a noble flourish of violins, while "World Keeps Turning" ends the album on a proud note, Ashcroft declaring "Everythin' right in my life again" as the album gallops to a close. --Louis Pattison 2005 Release and the Third Solo Album from the Former Singer and Chief Songwriter of the Verve, One of the Most Influential and Successful Bands of the 1990's. The First Single from the Album is UK Hit "Break the Night with Colour".

The Album was Recorded in London and the Sessions were Produced by Ashcroft and Long Time Collaborator Chris Potter. Ashcroft Marked the Impending Arrival of this Album by Performing the Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony" (Backed by Coldplay) at Live Eight (Where Singer Chris Martin Proclaimed it as "The Best Song Ever Written, Sung by the Best Singer in the World") as Well as a Short, Critically Acclaimed Live Tour. The Bonus Dvd Includes an Electronic Press Kit, Three Live Performances and the Promotional Video of the Single "Break the Night with Color".

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