Richard Thompson – 'Hippies, Thugs and Heroes' review: at his best in heartbreak
The British folk-rock guitarist's 20th studio album was recorded with his band in New Jersey. Classic Rock calls it a master at work.
Photo: Dxede5x / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and resized)
Single video: YouTube · New West Records · youtube.com
Single: Cocaine Walking, Booze Talking
Richard Thompson released his 20th studio album 'Hippies, Thugs and Heroes' on New West Records on 16 October. He recorded the twelve songs with co-producer James Frazee at Hobosound Studio in Weehawken, New Jersey, with Taras Prodaniuk (bass), Michael Jerome (drums), David Mansfield (guitar, fiddle) and Zara Phillips (backing vocals). It follows quickly on from 2024's 'Ship to Shore'.
In Classic Rock, Pat Carty praises Thompson's command of both electric guitar and folk; the heartbreak songs hit hardest, and he names 'Siren' the best track. His verdict: "A master at work." Kevin Korber at Spectrum Culture is cooler (66 out of 100): a good and often great album that nonetheless sounds familiar, with the quiet, folk-leaning songs the strongest.
The advance single was 'Cocaine Walking, Booze Talking'. Other tracks include 'Sorcerer's Apprentice', 'Pauper's Grave' and 'Pipe Dreams'. The video is the official lyric video for 'Cocaine Walking, Booze Talking' on the New West Records channel.
Sources
- Louder/Classic Rock – Richard Thompson: Hippies, Thugs And Heroes, Review von Pat Carty (15.10.2026)
- Spectrum Culture – Richard Thompson: Hippies, Thugs and Heroes, Review von Kevin Korber (20.10.2026)
- Americana UK – The indefatigable Richard Thompson introduces his Hippies, Thugs and Heroes in October (30.07.2026)