"The World Is Yours" is the fifth solo studio album by Ian Brown, released on October 15, 2007. The album features contributions from notable musicians, including bassists Andy Rourke (The Smiths) and Paul Ryder (Happy Mondays), as well as Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones and drummer Paul Cook. Sinéad O'Connor lends her vocals to two tracks, "Illegal Attacks" and "Some Folks Are Hollow."
The album's first single, "Illegal Attacks," was released on October 8, 2007. This politically charged song opens with soft arpeggios before transitioning into a more confrontational tone. The lyrics address pressing political issues, with Brown earnestly calling for British soldiers to return home from conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. The single received praise from NME, highlighting Brown's lyrical depth and its urgent message.
Another track, "On Track," debuted earlier as part of the soundtrack for the Russian sci-fi film Paragraph 78. This version of the song was slightly longer and featured a lighter orchestral arrangement compared to the album version.
The album was also released as a deluxe edition, which included a second CD featuring orchestral arrangements of all twelve tracks. This added a new dimension to the music, showcasing the compositions in a different light.
Overall, The World Is Yours continues Ian Brown's exploration of personal and political themes through his distinctive sound and lyrical prowess.
