Ashlyn (album)

Ashlyn
Studio album by
Ashe
ReleasedMay 7, 2021
Length47:03
LabelMom + Pop
Producers
Ashe chronology
Moral of the Story: Chapter 2
(2019)		 Ashlyn
(2021)		 Rae
(2022)
Singles from Ashlyn
  1. "Moral of the Story"
    Released: February 14, 2019
  2. "Save Myself"
    Released: July 22, 2020
  3. "Till Forever Falls Apart"
    Released: March 2, 2021
  4. "I'm Fine"
    Released: April 8, 2021
  5. "When I'm Older"
    Released: April 21, 2021
  6. "Me Without You"
    Released: May 5, 2021

Ashlyn is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Ashe. It was released by Mom + Pop Music on May 7, 2021. The album explores themes of heartbreak, fear, independence, and self-reflection, drawing from Ashe's personal experiences and relationships. Ashlyn combines California pop and contemporary production with influences from 1970s pop and rock musicians like Elton John, Queen, and ABBA. The album was primarily produced by Leroy Clampitt, with whom Ashe co-wrote much of the record.

Ashlyn was supported by six singles, including "Moral of the Story" and "Till Forever Falls Apart" featuring Finneas, and later by the Fault Line Tour. Upon release, it debuted on the US Billboard 200 and reached number two on the US Heatseekers Albums chart. Critical reception highlighted its ambitious arrangements, melodic songwriting, and emotionally personal material.

Background and theme

Prior to the release of Ashlyn, Ashe commented that the album is "deeply reflective and honest, full of stories of my experiences with fear and pain and turning those hard things into joy and independence".[1] She also stated that several alternative titles—A Matter of Time and The Faultline—were considered before she chose Ashlyn, which she felt best represented the album's personal nature.[2] Ashe did not consider Ashlyn to be strictly a breakup album, instead she described it as a reflection of her life experiences, including failed relationships.[2] In an interview with Euphoria, she revealed that she had wanted the album's sounds to be "marriage between worlds of old and new".[3]

Ashe described Ashlyn as a personal and creatively "risky" project, stating that she intentionally avoided making a "safe" record. She explained it was shaped by her own experiences and stories, and said she wanted to create "the exact album" she envisioned regardless of whether it would appeal to everyone.[4] A New Zealand producer Leroy Clampitt played a significant role in the making of Ashlyn, who was "the only right person" to create the album with, since Ashe felt he respected both her ideas and creative direction. Ashe also said that, following the death of her brother, there was "no one else" she could have written "Ryne's Song" with.[5]

Composition

Ashlyn combines elements of California and 1970s pop with contemporary production styles,[6][7] featuring layered soundscapes, melodic hooks, and unconventional chord progressions, with production handled by Ashe and Leroy Clampitt.[4] Chris DeVille of Stereogum described Ashlyn's composition as being "steeped in ornate arrangements and classic sounds".[8] In an interview with Nylon, Ashe expressed pride in the album's off-kilter sound, embracing the perception of her music as "too pop for alternative and too alternative for pop" as a defining characteristic.[9] Co-written with Sean Douglas, "Not Mad Anymore" was heavily inspired by British and American rock bands, Queen and the Beach Boys.[10] About the lyric in "Till Forever Falls Apart"—"We've been living on a fault line"—she explained that she viewed it as a metaphor for the fragility of relationships.[2]

Promotion

Following the release of two singles—"Moral of the Story" in 2019 and "Save Myself" in 2020[11]—"Till Forever Falls Apart", co-written and co-produced by Leroy Clampitt, followed on March 2, 2021, serving as the third single of Ashlyn. Featuring American musician Finneas, the song's music video was unveiled at the same day, directed by Sam Bennett and choreographed by Monika Felice Smith.[12][13] On April 7, Ashe announced her debut studio album, Ashlyn, and a day later, she released a next single "I'm Fine".[14] Two remaining singles from Ashlyn are "When I'm Older" and "Me Without You", released on April 21 and May 5, respectively. Ashe co-wrote the former with Leroy "Big Taste" Clampitt and Sean Douglas, while the latter was released along with its music video directed by Jason Lester.[15][16]

Upon release, Ashlyn debuted at number 194 on the US Billboard 200, making it her second entry on the chart.[17] It also peaked at number 2 on the US Heatseekers Albums chart,[18] reaching numbers 31 and 18 on the US Independent Albums and Top Alternative Albums chart, respectively.[19][20] Ashe announced its accompanying tour on May 7, titled The Fault Line Tour; it began on April 4, 2022 in Vancouver and concluded on May 11 in Denver.[21] The Brook & The Bluff was the tour's supporting act.[22]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarHalf star[7]
Riff Magazine5/10[23]

Marcy Donelson of AllMusic noted influences from artists such as Elton John, Queen, and ABBA throughout Ashlyn, particularly in its melodies and harmonies. She also highlighted Leroy Clampitt's production, which she felt contributed to the album's 1970s pop influences, and described the record as balancing contemporary pop with a more timeless sensibility.[7] Writing for Riff magazine, Sara London highlighted Ashe's lyrical detail on tracks such as "Moral of the Story" and "I'm Not Mad Anymore". She also praised songs from the latter half of the album including "Kansas", "Serial Monogamist", "Taylor", and "Ryne's Song", the latter of which she described as a thoughtful tribute. London additionally commented on Ashe's vocal performance on "Always", stating: "Her soft voice fits well with the devastating subject and her lyrics delicately capture a portrait of mortality."[23] Variety's Jem Aswad characterized Ashlyn as an eccentric and musically ambitious debut, noting its shifting arrangements and "educated musicality". He also commented on Ashe's songwriting throughout the album's songs about love and heartbreak.[24]

Track listing

Ashlyn track listing[25]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Till Forever Falls Apart" (with Finneas)
  • Clampitt
  • Finneas
3:43
2."I'm Fine"
  • Willson
  • Noah Conrad
  • Clampitt
  • Conrad
2:16
3."Love Is Not Enough"
Clampitt3:09
4."When I'm Older"
  • Willson
  • Clampitt
  • Douglas
Clampitt2:50
5."Me Without You"
  • Willson
  • Clampitt
  • Casey Smith
Clampitt3:09
6."Save Myself"
  • Evigan
  • Pollack
  • Clampitt
3:44
7."Taylor"
  • Willson
  • Adam Melchor
  • Clampitt
Clampitt2:48
8."Not Mad Anymore"
  • Willson
  • Douglas
  • Clampitt
Clampitt3:43
9."Always"
  • Willson
  • Clampitt
Clampitt3:35
10."Moral of the Story"
  • Willson
  • Smith
  • Conrad
  • O'Connell
  • Conrad
  • Finneas
3:21
11."Serial Monogamist"
Clampitt3:08
12."Ryne's Song"
  • Willson
  • Clampitt
Clampitt4:01
13."Kansas"
Clampitt4:17
14."Moral of the Story" (featuring Niall Horan)
  • Willson
  • Smith
  • Niall Horan
  • Conrad
  • O'Connell
  • Conrad
  • Finneas
3:19
Total length:47:03

Personnel

Credits were adapted from the album's liner notes and Tidal.[25][26]

Musicians

  • Ashe – vocals (all tracks), piano (tracks 4, 5, 9)
  • Leroy Clampitt – programming (1–5, 7–9, 11–13), string arrangement (1–5, 8, 9, 12), lap steel (1–3, 8), percussion (1, 3–5, 13), bass guitar (1, 3, 5, 8, 9, 11–13), Mellotron (1, 3, 8, 11, 13), guitar (1); additional bass guitar, additional drums (2); drums (3, 4, 8, 11, 13), backing vocals (3, 4), electric guitar (3, 8), harpsichord (4, 5, 8, 11, 13), 12-string guitar (5, 9, 13), upright bass (5), steel guitar (7), piano (8, 11–13), acoustic guitar (12, 13), Wurlitzer (13)
  • Kinga Bacik – cello (1–3, 5, 8, 9, 12)
  • Alida Garpestad Peck – backing vocals (1, 5)
  • Ben Barter – drums (1, 12)
  • Finneas – guitar, piano, synthesizer (1, 14)
  • Noah Conrad – bass guitar, drums, guitar, piano, synthesizer (2)
  • Taylor Dawes – acoustic guitar, backing vocals (3)
  • Sean Douglas – backing vocals (3)
  • Thomas Botting – upright bass (4)
  • Adam Melchor – steel guitar (7)
  • John Anderson – guitar (11)
  • Niall Horan – vocals (14)

Technical

Charts

Chart performance
Chart (2021) Peak
position
Lithuanian Albums (AGATA)[27] 95
US Billboard 200[17]194
US Heatseekers Albums (Billboard)[18] 2
US Independent Albums (Billboard)[19]31
US Top Alternative Albums (Billboard)[20]18

References

  1. ↑ Murray, Robin (April 8, 2021). "Ashe Confirms Debut album 'Ashlyn'". Clash. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Mier, Thomás (May 7, 2021). "Ashe Says Her Debut Powerful LP 'Ashlyn' Is 'Completely Me' — 'It's an Album About My Life'". People. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  3. ↑ Cubit, Brea (June 21, 2021). "Ashe Interview". Euphoria (Interview). Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  4. 1 2 Vitagliano, Joe (May 12, 2021). "Ashe Opens Up About the Years-Long Journey to Overnight Success". American Songwriter. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  5. ↑ Aquino, Tara (December 17, 2021). "How Ashe's Allies Helped Her Rediscover Her Voice in the Midst of Turmoil". Billboard. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Ashe Strips Down 'Love Is Not Enough' with Dawes' Taylor Goldsmith". Rolling Stone. August 19, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  7. 1 2 3 Donelson, Marcy (c. 2021). "Ashlyn — Ashe". AllMusic. Archived from the original on October 28, 2025. Retrieved June 16, 2021.
  8. ↑ DeVille, Chris (May 10, 2021). "Ashe Seems Far Too Self-Assured To Care Whether You Think She's Corny". Stereogum. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
  9. ↑ Wang, Steffanee (August 6, 2021). "Ashe Wants to Manifest a Friendship with Addison Rae". Nylon. Retrieved June 13, 2025.
  10. ↑ "Interview: Ashe releases her debut album Ashlyn". Women in Pop (Interview). June 1, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  11. ↑ Ross, Alex Robert (September 23, 2020). "Watch Ashe perform a dramatic 'Save Myself' from her roof". The Fader. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  12. ↑ Kenneally, Cerys (March 2, 2021). "Ashe and Finneas join forces on new single 'Till Forever Falls Apart'". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  13. ↑ Blistein, Jon (March 2, 2021). "Ashe and Finneas Team Up for Epic Duet 'Till Forever Falls Apart'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  14. ↑ Kenneally, Cerys (April 8, 2021). "Ashe unveils new single 'I'm Fine'". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  15. ↑ Kenneally, Cerys (April 21, 2021). "Ashe previews debut album with latest single 'When I'm Older'". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  16. ↑ Kenneally, Cerys (May 5, 2021). "Ashe releases new cut 'Me Without You'". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  17. 1 2 "Ashe Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  18. 1 2 "Ashe Chart History (Heatseekers Albums)". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved November 18, 2021.
  19. 1 2 "Ashe Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  20. 1 2 "Ashe Chart History (Top Alternative Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved May 21, 2021.
  21. ↑ Rosenbaum, Marty (May 6, 2021). "Ashe announces dates for 'The Fault Line' tour". Audacy. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  22. ↑ Storlie, Anne (May 12, 2022). "Ashe's The Fault Line Tour makes its way to Chicago". Melodic Magazine. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  23. 1 2 London, Sarah (May 5, 2021). "Album Review: Ashe rehashes the moral of the story on Ashlyn". Riff Magazine. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2026.
  24. ↑ Aswad, Jem (May 7, 2021). "Ashe's Ashlyn Is an Eccentric and Effervescent Debut Album From a Giant Young Talent". Variety. Archived from the original on July 23, 2025. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  25. 1 2 Pardini, Raissa (May 7, 2021). Ashlyn (CD liner notes). Ashe. Mom + Pop Music. MP550.
  26. ↑ "Ashlyn / Ashe". Tidal. Credits. Retrieved November 17, 2025.
  27. ↑ "2021 19-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. May 14, 2021. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
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