So, I’m having a moment. I’m questioning why I have never heard of Ashley McBryde until now. We just started playing her latest single “Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega,” and thank the lord for that. SHE IS AMAZING! She has opened for some of the greatest such as Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton and Hank Williams JR just to name a few. It wasn’t too long ago either that the man, the Chief Eric Church gave her praise for her talents and had her come up on stage with him to perform one of her songs from a previous album, “Bible and a .44.” Eric gives her one heck of a compliment too, check out the video, worth the watch and listen.
Honestly, Eric is so write and he nailed everything I want to say in a recent interview with Rolling Stone.
“The first thing that immediately grabbed me about Ashley was of course her voice,” says Eric Church, who invited the singer onstage to perform her song “Bible and a .44” with him last year. “I heard soul, heart, pain, grit, regret, vulnerability and edge. As I dug into her songs it became immediately apparent why I hear those emotions: it was her songwriting. Those emotions that flowed from her voice were also pouring out of her pen.”
So, now that Eric has your attention lets break down Ashley McBrydes crazy talent! I can’t say enough about each and every song on her debut full length album “Girl Going Nowhere.” Out of the eleven tracks, I’m going to give you my favorite five. It’s been really hard to break them down, because every song is awesome, but here we go.
#5- American Scandal- Track #3 – This song is just fun and is exactly what the title says. My favorite line, “Love me baby, love me. Like Kennady and Monroe..”
#4- Andy (I Can’t Live Without You)- Track #8- I actually talked about this song of hers not too long ago and gushed about how great it was. My reasoning, I’m pretty sure every individual that has had a relationship, can relate. As Ashley takes you through the frustrations in the versues a significant other can bring, it really all comes down to the chorus, where the emotions relate. I’ve played this for my husband and he laughed at some of the lyrics, again because we can relate to it, but once the chorus comes on…OMG! He get its too. Enjoy this tune!
#3- Radioland- Track #2- First time I heard this song, I was hooked. It has a fantastic beat and catchy chorus. Another song where the lyrics take you through many of your own memories. From using a hairbrush as a microphone, we’ve all done it, catching a Friday night game..Radioland has always been there. “Whoa, Radioland, Just the other side of a dashboard light..”
#2- The Jacket- Track #5- So, if it’s ever been questioned if song writers are story tellers, close your eyes and take a listen to this song. Every memory in the lyrics takes to to that time, and the chorus places in a memory of a lost loved one and a precious item. Perfect song in my opinion.
#1- Southern Babylon- Track #4- Get your tissues ready and enjoy the ride. This is a powerful song, it describes a young life taken too soon as they go through the motions of what has happened. The first time I heard this song I listened to it again and again. Beautifully written with strong emotional lyrics.
Ashley McBryde is name in country music you need to know. There is going to be a day, sooner than later, that her talent is recognized with awards and praises. So for the time being, check her out, listen to her lyrics and enjoy the sound of some heart felt country-rock that will take you over.
