**Richard Ashcroft Set to Return with New Album ‘Lovin’ You’ This October**
Richard Ashcroft, former frontman of legendary British band The Verve, has revealed details of his forthcoming album, _Lovin’ You_, with an official release date set for 3 October. This body of work will mark the acclaimed songwriter’s seventh solo studio album, and crucially, his first record made up entirely of new material since 2018’s _Natural Rebel_.
The announcement has generated considerable excitement in music circles, with many fans and critics eager to see how Ashcroft’s signature sound will echo through a new set of songs. The album introduction comes via its leading single “Lover”, which has already begun to feature prominently on radio playlists throughout the UK. Notably, this track cleverly weaves elements of Joan Armatrading’s classic, “Love And Affection”, infusing Ashcroft’s style with a touch of timeless songwriting tradition.
As with much of his previous work, _Lovin’ You_ promises a varied soundscape, traversing the lush, orchestral balladry for which Ashcroft is well-known, energetic indie-rock motifs, and ventures into other genres including Americana, soul-laden melodies, and rhythmic glimmers of electronic beats. Early indications suggest this album will be rich with intimate subject matter, drawing on themes of romance, personal growth, and empathy towards those grappling with life’s challenges.
Ashcroft, who has personally written all the tracks, collaborates with producers Chris Potter and Emre Ramazanoglu to bring his vision to life. Among the new material is a standout song entitled “I’m A Rebel”, the result of a creative partnership with Mirwais, the renowned producer recognised for his influential work with Madonna. This track is expected to bring a unique flavour to the album, adding a global dimension to the overall sound.
For many listeners, _Lovin’ You_ will represent Ashcroft’s first new recording since his reworking of The Verve’s “Sonnet”, which was featured in a prominent John Lewis Christmas campaign the previous year. This connection to his past demonstrates Ashcroft’s enduring relevance on the contemporary music scene while forging ahead into fresh creative territory.
Upon its October release, _Lovin’ You_ will be available across multiple platforms, catering to a range of music fans. The standard editions will include black vinyl, CD and digital downloads, while special collectors’ editions offer more exclusive options. Fans can seek out a neon orange variant through Ashcroft’s official shop, an orange version at Amazon UK, and a blue edition at select independent record stores – ensuring admirers can find a format that suits their tastes.
In addition to the album drop, Ashcroft is poised to take to the road, joining as a high-profile support act for several of Oasis’s UK and Ireland gigs as part of their “Oasis Live ‘25 Tour”. Anticipation is high for these concerts, which mark Noel and Liam Gallagher’s first shared performances in sixteen years. The significance isn’t lost on Ashcroft, who, reflecting on the announcement, expressed his deep respect for Oasis and credited their influence for inspiring some of his own best moments in songwriting.
“It’s no exaggeration to say that the combination of Noel’s writing and Liam’s energy pushed me to aspire towards greatness in my own music,” commented Ashcroft when his support slot was announced. He added that debuting his material at shows of this magnitude would be both a professional and personal milestone, paying tribute to the shared history that defined an era of British music.
As Ashcroft prepares to unveil _Lovin’ You_ and share the stage once again with old friends and rivals, the UK music community awaits another chapter from an artist synonymous with emotional honesty and enduring melodies. The forthcoming autumn is set to be an exciting season for Ashcroft’s followers, promising both nostalgia and new beginnings in equal measure.