Richard Ashcroft, the singer and bandleader of The Verve, has released a new single called “Lover.” The song debuted on BBC Radio 2 with Vernon Kay, and it marks his first new music since his 2018 LP Natural Rebel. The glam-rock cut begins with anthemic strings and boldly strummed acoustic guitar melodies before snaps, layers of harmonies, and even some half-rapped phrasings from Ashcroft enter the fray. The songwriter will likely be performing this new cut when he joins Oasis on their reunion tour dates in the UK and Ireland.
The new single was written by Ashcroft and co-produced alongside Emre Ramazanoglu. The song interpolates one of Richard’s favorites, “Love and Affection” by Joan Armatrading. Ashcroft reportedly approached Armatrading before recording the arrangement. Check out the video for “Lover” below, and find his upcoming live dates here.
