After discovering Ashley McBryde in 2018 at Chicago's Windy City Smoke Out, I've come to absolutely love her music. Over the last two years, McBryde has become one of my favorite country artists in the industry currently. Her fantastic song-writing, coupled with great production, makes her music a must-listen. Needless to say, I was excited to hear her third studio album. It did not disappoint. Though it's early, this is a serious contender for album of the year.
1. Hang In There Girl
"Hang In There Girl" is a great way to kick off the album. I love the lead guitar throughout the song. That's a common theme in this album, absolutely great guitar licks. Though they are pretty simple, the lyrics work well. In an interview with Apple Music, Ashley said that she wrote this song as a reminder that things are going to get better for young girls living in small towns that are in poverty. Overall, this song is a really fun, positive reminder to keep on keeping on.
2. One Night Standards
This is another great example of McBryde's excellent song-writing. This song is all about not caring about what happens after a one night stand. Instead, asking to stick to the "one night standards". The lyric itself is a great example of wordplay on the album. It's an interesting take on a one night stand. I love "Can't you just use me like I'm using you?" It gives a sobering reality that using sex to cope with your problems doesn't work well. The song, instrumentally, sounds good. A driving drum leads most of the song.
3. Shut Up Shelia
"Shut Up Shelia" is easily one of my favorite songs on Never Will. Being the massive Eric Church fan, I compare this song lyrically to "The Outsiders" and instrumentally to a louder version of "The Snake". It's a song all about how she and her friends live their lives differently to "Shelia". They're rough around the edges, but they don't care.
4. First Thing I Reach For
This is a pretty solid song. I wouldn't say it's anything too special. I really like the instrumentals; it sounds very akin to 90's country. I like the contrast between "The first thing I reach for is the last thing I need." This is some more great wordplay from McBryde. It's a smooth, straightforward song that's extremely well produced.
5. Voodoo Doll
"Voodoo Doll" is another one of my favorites on the album. I absolutely adore the opening riff on the mandolin, a rare instrument to hear in country today. The song transforms into a rocking electric guitar-heavy chorus that sounds great. I like the contrast between the verses and the said chorus. The verses are subdued with acoustic guitar and mandolin riffs. The guitar solo is great as well. I like the metaphor of the Voodoo Doll itself. She's comparing her husband's mistress to a voodoo doll. Everything he does with her conversely affects McBryde. I was surprised to find out that this was a six-person co-write, including Brandy Clark.
6. Sparrow
"Sparrow" fades to the background of Never Will for me personally. I enjoy the meaning of the sparrow. McBryde is comparing herself to one, being conflicted on whether or not to stay in the sky or the ground. I perceive the sky to be on the road/being an entertainer. Likewise, the ground would be her home/living a normal life. This track has grown on me, but I still think many other tracks outshine it.
7. Martha Divine
This is definitely my favorite song other than "Voodoo Doll". This song simply rocks. It's not too often you hear murder ballads; McBryde killed it. Similarly to "One Night Standards" I love the mix between driving drums and electric guitars. The chorus is my favorite part of the song. I love the melody and vocal run on "Martha Divine, Martha Divine".
8. Velvet Red
I love the way this song sounds. The filter that is used to give the song an older sound sounds great. I love the acoustic guitar and mandolin used. There's also a great bass line on throughout the song. McBryde told Apple Music that she wanted it to have a bluegrass feel without being "beat in the face with just the bluegrass feel either."
9. Stone
"Stone" is another song that kind of fades to the background for me. Don't get me wrong, I love that this song is a tribute to her brother who committed suicide. It has a nice mandolin in it. I just find the lyrics to be somewhat boring as well as the instrumentals. I like all the different ways McBryde uses stones to drive the narrative forward, however. My favorite line has to be "Yeah, there's a lot of things that should be written in one (stone), but your name ain't one of them." What a sad lyric. It's not a bad song by any means, just nothing special.
10. Never Will
"Never Will" is in the top half of the album to me for sure. This song is all about McBryde staying true to herself while being in the music industry. She is adamant about not selling out for fame. I really enjoy the message; it's extremely relevant for anyone who wants to make it in music. There are more great drums driving this song.
11. Styrofoam
At first, I was extremely confused by this track. It comes off as a better version of Toby Keith's "Red Solo". The song is mainly McBryde talking about the history and uses of Styrofoam. While I wouldn't say this is a great song, it's pretty funny. This is another tribute song. McBryde told Apple Music that the song was written by Randall Clay who passed away in 2018. I wish it wouldn't have ended the album. It's so off the wall and out of sync with the rest of the record; it makes the ending nearly feel abrupt.
Overall, Ashley McBryde delivered an absolute gem with Never Will. Her excellent songwriting, coupled with some absolutely stellar instrumentals and production makes an album that's worthy to keep on repeat. I wouldn't say this is the most consistent album tonally, however. Some themes such as not selling out, growing up, loss, and cheating seem to only stick around for one song. It's not a major negative, however, I would have liked a more consistent tone in the album. I was also surprised by the amount of co-writes on some songs. The songs that are seemingly broader have anywhere from four to six co-writers.
The Good: Voodoo Doll, Martha Divine, Shut Up Shelia
The Bad(ish): Styrofoam
9/10
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