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Human Conditions
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Human Conditions Image
Metascore
61

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

  • Summary: This is the second solo outing for the former Verve frontman.

Top Track

Check The Meaning
(Check the meaning) When I'm low, and I'm weak, and I'm lost I don't know who I can trust Paranoia, the destroyer, comes knocking on my door You... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 15
  3. Negative: 2 out of 15
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    100
    Though elaborately orchestrated, the songs retain their intimacy, communicated in Ashcroft's vocals, which, over the years, keep getting warmer. [7 Mar 2003, p.72]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. PopMatters
    90
    It is the best of what Ashcroft does best: thoughtful incantations teeming with emotion, clarity, and vision.
  3. Launch.com
    90
    Further indulges his penchant for meticulously-crafted songs, exquisite production, and (sometimes painstaking) personal and spiritual introspection.
  4. Rolling Stone
    60
    Ashcroft's mastery of balladry makes "Buy It in Bottles" his best since the Verve's "Lucky Man."
  5. Uncut
    60
    At times he tries too hard, but there's much here to commend. [Nov 2002, p.114]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. ShakingThrough.net
    58
    Human Conditions suggests that Ashcroft has forgotten how to rock, choosing to indulge what appears to be a messiah complex.
  7. Dusted Magazine
    20
    Easily 30 minutes too long and four symphony orchestras too many, Human Conditions feels like a soundtrack to Barnum and Bailey, with Ashcroft’s earnest vocals drowned out by a cast of thousands.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. EvyeniaC
    Nov 18, 2002
    10
    I love Richard Ashcorft's new album Human Conditions! I am always amazed how his music and lyrics only get better and better. Thank God I love Richard Ashcorft's new album Human Conditions! I am always amazed how his music and lyrics only get better and better. Thank God for this brilliant musical masterpiece!! I would recommend this to every person I know! Check the meaning is awesome!… Expand
  2. elenip
    Aug 31, 2019
    10
    My favorite singer by far, his voice is everything, his music is the soundtrack of my life.
  4. ying
    Nov 16, 2002
    9
    great music
  5. IñakiZ
    May 12, 2006
    9
    Pop Master! Brian Wilson sings on it!
  6. RickG
    Feb 27, 2003
    8
    Listen up, this is the real deal for a change from Richard. As a longtime Verve fan (having all EP's, CD's and even most on Listen up, this is the real deal for a change from Richard. As a longtime Verve fan (having all EP's, CD's and even most on vinyl...), I have to say I was quite surprised by how good this record is. It more on par with what I expect of him and is on par with the last Verve album. While it's no Storm in Heaven (let's be realistic here), it's has moments definately worth checking out, esp if coming from verve-fandom. Standout tracks such as 'Check the Meaning', 'God in the Numbers', and the ethereal 'Running Away' are hard to dismiss as 'crap' if you give them a serious listen. Now if he could only get Nick McCabe involved somehow...… Expand
  7. Ricko
    Apr 24, 2012
    7
    Second solo record from the former Verve front man. Not a bad record - it's got some good stuff on it, opening Check the Meaning is a topSecond solo record from the former Verve front man. Not a bad record - it's got some good stuff on it, opening Check the Meaning is a top tune. There are a handful of other decent songs on here. There's also a few slow paced boring numbers that will help any insomniacs out there sleep soundly. Probably his strongest post Verve offering but nothing on here would get close to Urban Hymns. No doubt Ashcroft is a talented song writer but consistency ain't his strong point.… Expand
  8. LuisArturoV
    Jan 16, 2003
    2
    I guess Mr. ex-Mad Man Ashcroft has really big debts to pay, because the only thing that's heard in this overproduced rubbish, is "I I guess Mr. ex-Mad Man Ashcroft has really big debts to pay, because the only thing that's heard in this overproduced rubbish, is "I need more money, my wife wants a new car"..this album is commercial nonsense .. This record is a shame...the songs take forever to end, the two-voice studio effect wanted to send this cd out like a freezbe..the worst thing thas has come out from ashcroft definitely..dont buy it!!! please richard talk to the shining, they also need help with their vocals...no wonder nick mccabe told you where to go!!!… Expand

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