I HAD fallen in love with Ian Hunter’s world-weary, Dylan-esque voice long before Mott The Hoople hit the jackpot with a version of Bowie’s All The Young Dudes.

Neglected pre-Dudes classics such as At The Crossroads and No Wheels To Ride are the lasting achievements of a great pre-punk band, rather than glam-lite offerings such as Roll Away The Stone and Honaloochie Boogie.

Hunter, now 73, is now harking back to those early Mott days and, while the intensity of the voice may be fading, his lyrics are as urgent and as relevant as ever.

Title track When I’m President is Hunter’s rousing state-of-the-nation address, with his trademark humour thrown in, and complements the storming opener Comfortable. Just The Way You Look Tonight is a magical love song, with a nod to Springsteen, while Fatally Flawed is a chilling look at addiction.

The album closes on a high with Life, an uplifting and inclusive take on life with a big L. Taking his cue from Dylan’s It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding), Hunter gives his own recipe for a contented life. It’s great to see the grand old rocker at peace with himself.

• Ian Hunter plays Harrogate Royal Hall on October 25.