During three albums with The Verve, Richard Ashcroft repositioned himself from psychedelic shaman to a songwriter steeped in tradition and soul. His first solo album completes that transition, kicking off with the grandiose AOR of “A Song for the Lovers” before melding lovestruck optimism and gliding melodies into tender country-soul (“You On My Mind in My Sleep”, “Brave New World”) and rousing, windows-down pop (“C’mon People (We’re Making It Now)”, “Crazy World”). Strings, slide guitar and brass dominate but “New York”’s swirling guitars will satisfy those who still miss The Verve.