ALBUM REVIEW - ASHLEY COOKE - ace
Today (Friday 14th November) singer-songwriter, Ashley Cooke has released her brand-new project called ace which is made up of 9 tracks. The tracks were all co-written by Ashley and produced by Dann Huff.
Getting Old opens up this era of Ashley Cooke music beautifully with Ashley's softer tone with some vulnerability lyrics that bought a tear to my eye as it's one of those growing up song that makes you appreciate your parents even more than you ever thought you could and would. The way that the lyrics grow as the song develops is a testament to Ashley's songwriting skills - I have a feeling this will be a hit with many fans. The depth of the meaningful lyrics are special and deserve a lot of praise. Ashley's vocal tones are stunningly timed.
Baby Blues is a fun and bluesy sounding track whilst remaining truthful and honest about her feelings and the emotions that come with it. The song has many flirty moments that show playful side to this wonderful artist as well as showing a little charm making it a fanatic listen. The chorus is super catchy and I can definitely see why it's a song Ashley loves to perform.
From the very beginning of The F Word, the lyrics of this power ballad are extremely relatable especially when you are meeting your new partners parents and you want to set a good impression but sometimes we can get anxious allowing for certain words slip out accidentally. The chorus is beautiful and beautifully crafted as one moment you think it's about swearing, but then you realise that the 'f word' is actually forever, making it an even more special song as you realise that the song is even more personal to Ashley than you thought. The fact that Ashley isn't afraid to write from her heart, makes this singer-songwriter even more special and deserving of all the great things she has achieved and is achieving even more special. Ashley's vocal tone throughout is just stunning. The one thing I hope is that Ashley comes back to the UK soon as I get to witness this song live along with many of my favourite songs she has released.
Talk About begins with a slow instrumental which compliments Ashley's softer vocal tone allowing for the lyrics to shine through from the start. The story-telling throughout is beautiful mainly within the chorus, whilst remaining raw and honest that I could myself getting a little emotional over especially as listeners begin to realise that the relationship is coming to an end. There is something so special about the second verses honesty that for me added a layer of vulnerability which is something Ashley does very well.
The Hell You Are is a fast paced song with an extremely catchy chorus that honestly is brilliant and shows everyone what an incredibly versatile artist Ashley is. The way that the lyrics are written you can hear some honest and relatable lyrics that are filled with a lot of learnt experience. It's all those moments of that shouldn't be coming to you vs they have no where else to go and want to see you making it a tough decision but you have to remain strong but not letting them in. What a great song!
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Photo Credit: David O'Donohue
Swear Words is one beautifully stunning word that is sorted with a guitar instrumental seeing some honesty shared that many listeners will be able to relate with in their own lives, however for the purpose of this song it's about a relationship ending and the multiple emotions it brings. The chorus is filled with many different emotions that add another layer to Swear Words especially as the second verse comes in. The softer tones from Ashley towards the end of the song are wonderfully chosen highlighting the key words in a sweet way. "Words do make it worse" at times that much is true.
Excuses begins with an upbeat instrumental which is very different for this album by I am loving the choice. Excuses is filled with a lot of vulnerable moments especially in the chorus which I have to admit is my favourite part of the song due to his rawness - the song-writing once again is beautifully written and from the heart adding a layer of honesty - you can definitely feel the emotions that Ashley is feeling or had faced prior to writing Excuses wearing her heart on her sleeve it would appear. Excuses is definitely one of those songs that many listeners will be able to relate with.
Tin Foil Hat (Panic Attack Version) is one beautifully written song filled with a lot of emotion and honesty that is fantastic to hear from start to finish allowing for us listeners to hear many different vulnerable sides to who Ashley is as an artist as well as singer-songwriter which makes it even more special in my opinion. The chorus just hits you that is super relatable makes me want to shout it at the top of my lungs. The hurt that you hear is perfectly written featuring Ashley's softer vocal adding another layer of pain that make our many emotions valid, whilst also hears the final verse of moving on more apparent - it's the best thing to do for everyone involved even if it is hard at the time.
My Worst Fear ends this album from Ashley beautifully with Ashley's soft and crisp vocal tones. My Worst Fear in my opinion is the one of the most vulnerable along with Getting Old as you can hear much emotion as you get to hear these vulnerable lyrics that I can only think are about losing the family/ friends you care the most about and being on your own. There is a beautiful rawness within the second verse that I caught myself getting emotional over especially as the chorus hits - all those emotions being bought out was exactly what I needed as I was thinking thank you. Thank you for being vulnerable within the song-writing process, I didn't realise how much I needed a song like this!
Thank you, Ashley for letting us listeners in on your wonderful and honest project and allowing us many vulnerable moments - you have shown many of us that we are not alone with how we are feeling in certain situations.
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