Album of the Month: Ashlyn

By Sidney Beckerich

The pandemic had many downs. Everyone was stuck in their homes with nothing to do except think. Singer-songwriter Ashe was among these people. While stuck in her own thought bubble, she reflected on her past “psychologically abusive” marriage. She had filed for divorce in 2017, and also wrote the song that would kick start her career only hours later.  “Moral of the story” was released on Valentine's Day of 2019. The hit single did not catch popularity until June 2020, at the height of quarantine, when the song became popular on TikTok.​ It quickly skyrocketed through the charts, gaining over 10 million streams. She was shocked with her newfound fame and was excited to expand on the idea that inspired “Moral of the story.” She started writing soon after.  

Her long-awaited album was released on May 7, 2021. It debuted at number 194 on the US Billboard 200 and peaked at number 2. The 14 track album features a whimsical sound reminiscent of the 70’s. The album takes inspiration from artists such as Carole King, Elton John, Neil Young, and Harry Styles. Ashe wanted full creative flexibility with the album. She explained that because there is no promise of tomorrow, she wants to take full advantage of her ability to create music today. While listening through the songs, you are hearing Ashe’s healing process. The storyline takes you through all the stages of grief. Grief represents many things in this album (abuse, divorce, drug addiction, loss of family). However the tracklist doesn't follow the healing process step-by-step.  ``Healing isn't linear” is the main message that Ashe wanted to get across with her lyrics.

The album has two features which have quickly become the most popular songs of hers. After “Moral of the Story” caught waves, Niall Horan was brought on to write a verse and sing backup. The popular One Direction singer has a very large fanbase, which all led to Ashe’s discography. The two performed the song together in an online concert Niall Horan put on back in November of 2020 at The Royal Albert Hall. The other hit single, “Till Forever Falls Apart,” features FINNEAS. The popular brother of Billie Eilish, FINNEAS helped Ashe write a platonic love song for best friends all over the world. 

Ashlyn is a very special album, I can't wait to see what she will create in the future. The “Fault Line Tour” kicks off shortly, starting the U.S leg on April 4, 2022. Ashe has promised her fans much excitement with her debut tour, releasing a tour exclusive single “Another Man's Jeans.” This has every Ashe listener counting down the minutes until her show. 

Have an amazing April everyone and remember to Treat People with Kindness!