BY LESLEY HASTINGS
Eleven songs. Each peeling away a layer that helps reveal what is at the core. Or to be more precise, each adding a little more insight into what has shaped Ashley McBryde into the artist and person she is today.
They take us on a voyage of discovery through words and music, one which at times has had its uncomfortable moments to navigate.
That’s my way of looking at Ashley’s fifth studio album “Wild” which was released last Friday via Warner Records, Nashville. There’s a sense of unburdening and freedom that I detect coming through……a ” wildness” I guess you could say, both lyrically and sonically.
Three of the tracks will be songs already very familiar to Ashley’s dedicated fanbase ….” Rattlesnake Preacher” and “Water in the River” have been popular staples in her live shows over the years, waiting for a permanent place to land (and this is the perfect spot) while “What If We Don’t” was previously recorded for her 2016 album “Jalopies and Expensive Guitars” ….this reworking has been given more attack and energy, a bit more of that wildness I mentioned earlier.
Something that makes this album and the journey it covers even more amazing is that five of the songs (including two mentioned above) are actually outside cuts. But I assume each resonated with Ashley on a personal level, as well as being incredible writes. No surprise when you look at the creatives involved ……to highlight just a few, the late Randall Clay was not only a great friend of Ashley’s but a formidable songwriter with whom she has collaborated frequently over the years; Lori McKenna definitely needs no introduction to most of you I am sure, Lauren Hungate is a name I am seeing a lot these days when I check writing credits and Matraca Berg has been a long-time favourite with me with some incredible albums of her own.
The six remaining tracks see Ashley collaborating with more stalwarts of the Nashville songwriting scene….including more favourites of mine, Travis Meadows, Jessie Jo Dillon and Laura Veltz.
Upbringing, family relationships, addiction, desire….just a few of the subjects which are tackled head on here.
Can I relate to many/any of the songs? No. Does that matter? Absolutely no. What DOES matter is that each track is exquisite in every way….from the aforementioned writing to their production (John Osborne, what a compassionate and creative choice…..and having such a talented bunch of musicians on board as we all know Deadhorse are is a major bonus!). Then of course there’s Ashley’s vocals. Whether she’s letting rip on one of the (many) southern rock-style anthems on this project or tackling one of its more tender ballads, she is phenomenal. Her heart and soul laid bare with each word.
This isn’t a review which will offer a “deep dive” into each track. Or even a few of the tracks. Or even one track. But I hope it’s one which will encourage you to take a “deep dive” into this stunning album. Listen to it top to bottom, the way albums really need to be consumed.
And then watch the videos here
Honestly, it’s all creative genius in every way.