In which he of the sunken cheek redeems himself after nearly an Olympiad since second album Human Conditions was criticised by all and sundry. Ashcroft himself still holds said album in high regard but then I guess someone has to.

Keys To The World is an album that combines all the elements that once made the former Verve front man so great: in your face swagger, a knack for tunes and, as Chris Martin proclaimed, "The best vocals in the world" (Though I think Liam Gallagher owns that trademark). It's a fantastic return to form for a guy who still has much to offer the world.

The grand statement of 'Music Is Power' shows exactly where the last album went wrong. The song is a streamlined version of the 8 minute opening single 'Check The Meaning' that prefaced Human Conditions. With a mighty soul kick to it, 'Music Is Power' has Ashcroft in positive form.

This mood doesn't last long so you take it where you can. Single 'Break The Night With Colour' is bread and butter for Ashcroft (a haunting ballad with just the right amount of tempo) but it certainly isn't performed half arsed.  "Nothing's going right today 'cos nothing ever does", he tells us before saying that it is, "time to move ahead."

But most of the kudos should go to the title track, probably his best work since 'A Song For The Lovers.' 'Keys To The World' is Richard ready to have it large! The wailing female backing vocals and rolling groove help underline Ashcroft's mighty vocal prowess as he suggests that he can make it all better. Quite frankly I believe him.

There are two things that put added pressure on an artist. One: they are the offspring of a famous musician or Two: they were once in a famous band. Ashcroft (like Morrissey and Ian Brown) unfortunately suffers from the latter and some (read: most) of the press and former Verve fans expect miracles from this man. By doing things his own way for a third time it is bound to piss them off even more. I say go for it Richard.