Richard Ashcroft Aims to Defy Genres With 'Are You Ready?' -- Song Premiere

Although 'United Nations of Sound' was released in the UK in July, Richard Ashcroft's album with his new band, RPA and the United Nations of Sound, will not be available in the US until March. The re-released version will include a previously unheard track, 'Third Eye,' and all-new artwork.

While fans will naturally compare the record to Ashcroft's output as a solo act and with the Verve, the singer says that he chose to work with Chicago hip-hop producer No I.D. (Jay-Z, Kanye West, Common) to create something unique. ""I started chatting with No I.D., saying that I always wanted to make music that was genre-defiant, that didn't have any kind of stamp on it," Ashcroft said in a statement. "I don't feel weird about having Curtis Mayfield and Funkadelic ideas all in the same song and neither does he."

The album's lead single, 'Are You Ready,' is available for streaming below and, for fans willing to give up their e-mail address, can be downloaded at Ashcroft's official site and Facebook page. Have a look at the exclusive album artwork and pick up 'United Nations of Sound' when it releases on March 8 via Razor and Tie.