Human Conditions

by Richard Ashcroft

Overview

Richard Ashcroft is a deeply inquisitive man, probably too much for his own good. His regimen of frequently questioning God and overanalyzing the theories of love naturally work for him, so the design of Human Conditions isn't any different from what he's done before. But that's not necessarily a bad thing, either. Human Conditions is, in a literal sense, Ashcroft's sonic bible of beautifully crafted melodies and lyrical mysticism. The warm, honeyed tones of a hushing brass section and string arrangements set the mood on album-opener "Check the Meaning." A battle of search and fight is realized almost immediately. God is female and Ashcroft's lyrical character struggles with trust. Sweeping acoustic guitars drive the lilting paranoia of "Buy It in Bottles" and "God in the Numbers," but the bluesy feel of "Bright Lights" is much more gritty. Ashcroft might be a bit preoccupied with finding a good life, but who isn't? He's playful in presentation and actually pretty sweet when it comes to delivering a pop hook. "Nature Is the Law," which features harmonies from Beach Boy Brian Wilson, is a testament of that. Whereas Alone With Everybody was lush in emotion but musically over-produced, Human Conditions stays within the boundaries. It's a decent second album and longtime Verve enthusiasts should leave it at that. ~ MacKenzie Wilson

Product Details

Release Date:	07/04/2025
Label:	Proper Records Uk
UPC:	0805520241144

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Richard Ashcroft   Primary Artist,Bass,Piano,Guitar,Vocals,Keyboards,Wurlitzer,Percussion
Chuck Leavell   Guest Artist,Piano,Organ (Hammond)
Talvin Singh   Guest Artist,Madal,Tabla,Drones,Shruti Box,Duggi Tarang
Brian Wilson   Guest Artist,Conductor,Vocals (Background)
London Community Gospel Choir   Choir/Chorus
Craig Wagstaff   Percussion
Kate Radley   Keyboards
Martyn Campbell   Bass
Wil Malone   Conductor
Peter Salisbury   Drums
Matt Clifford   Wurlitzer
London Session Orchestra   Strings
Jim Hunt   Flute,Saxophone

Technical Credits

Richard Ashcroft   Composer,Producer,Art Direction
Marc Marot   Photography
Dominic Morley   Assistant Engineer
Jose Luis Cortes   Illustrations
Wil Malone   Orchestral Arrangements
Brian Wilson   Vocal Arrangement
Matt Lawrence   Assistant Engineer
Damon Iddins   Assistant Engineer
Tony Cousins   Mastering
Gavyn Wright   Leader
Steve Sidelnyk   Programming,Drum Programming
Nadav Kander   Photography
Paul Grady   Assistant Engineer
Christopher Marc Potter   Mixing,Producer
Talvin Singh   Beats
Richard Robson   Programming