Released 8 years ago this October
Natural Rebel
Richard Ashcroft · 2018
46 min · 10 tracks · alternative rock
A reflective blend of Britpop melodies and introspective lyrics, echoing the uncertainties of modern life.
Top tracks — play these first
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All My Dreams — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its lush instrumentation and explorative lyrics about aspiration and self-discovery.
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Surprised by the Joy — An uplifting anthem that intertwines themes of hope and unexpected happiness, showcasing Ashcroft's knack for crafting feel-good melodies.
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We All Bleed — This poignant track addresses universal struggles and solidarity, resonating deeply with listeners through its heartfelt message and emotive delivery.
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Streets of Amsterdam — With vivid imagery and storytelling, this song reflects on travel and personal reflection, capturing a sense of wanderlust that permeates the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends Britpop melodies with introspective lyrics but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its peers.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a mid-tempo track that sets a reflective tone, followed by a gradual increase in tempo and energy through the first half.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, which enhance the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- The final three tracks slow down significantly, creating a contemplative atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- reflective, introspective listening moments
- gradual builds and payoffs
- emotional depth exploration
- steady, consistent energy levels
- long, immersive listening sessions
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on October 19, 2018, Natural Rebel is Richard Ashcroft's first solo album in over a decade since his 2006 release, Keys to the World. This album represents a return to his roots after a period of experimentation and serves as an exploration of personal themes following the dissolution of The Verve.
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Birds Fly
The narrative shifts from personal struggle to collective resilience among humanity.
This transition emphasizes a shared experience rather than isolation, enriching the overall thematic tapestry of connection throughout the album.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 All My Dreams 4:28
- 2 Birds Fly 3:57
- 3 Surprised by the Joy 5:37
- 4 That’s How Strong 4:44
- 5 Born to Be Strangers 4:13
- 6 That’s When I Feel It 4:02
- 7 We All Bleed 3:58
- 8 A Man in Motion 5:03
- 9 Streets of Amsterdam 5:20
- 10 Money Money 5:04
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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