Must hear 3
KEYS TO THE WORLD - RICHARD ASHCROFT
NEED TO KNOW
The former Verve frontman’s third album reminds listeners this is an artist who set the tone for 90s Northern UK vocalists and at the same time adds a dash of Robbie Williams showmanship.
BEST TRACK
Why Not Nothing has attitude and a strutting Mick Jagger beat – the kind of rock lite that girls can dance to while the boys tap their feet.
WORST TRACK
The pace of Sweet Brother Malcolm is likely to leave you reaching for the skip button every time – very droney.
ONE FOR THE COLLECTION?
It’s not Bitter Sweet Symphony, it never will be. Ashcroft’s solo work is often dismissed as being bland, but this record includes some instantly distinctive, mature and heartfelt numbers. JF
YELLOWCARD - LIGHTS AND SOUNDS
NEED TO KNOW
The Florida-formed band’s fifth album has a definite skater cum nu-metal feel. You may have heard them on the soundtrack of the Spiderman 2 movie.
BEST TRACK
Rough Landing, Holly is chart-topping pop-rock at its best and proof this band has the makings to be a mainstream international hit.
WORST TRACK
Two Weeks From Twenty is a clichéd attempt at Bush-bashing – Yellowcard should steer clear of the political messages we’ve all heard (said more convincingly) before.
ONE FOR THE COLLECTION?
Give them the red card if the combination of Greenday, Linkin Park and Evanescence don’t strike a chord. JF