by kaylee pickens
Ashlyn Rae Willson, professionally known as Ashe, has released her third LP and people are singing high praises for its release. With over 10 million monthly listeners on Spotify, you may know Ashe for her track “Mortal of the Story” from her first album, Ashlyn (2021). A 3-minute track, that’s almost a member of Spotify’s Billions Club, has brought fans to the table to be served. The pop album, Willson, features 12 tracks including popular songs, “Please don’t fall in love with me” and “Running Out Of Time.” This third album follows just a few years after her second release, Rae (2022). It’s obvious that Willson’s albums are named after her and mirrors a sense of self in their lyricism and production.
The opening track of this album begins with a raw Willson begging someone not to fall in love with her because she’s not ready. Paired with an acoustic melody and airy piano keys, this 3-minute track is setting the tone for the rest of the album. Willson picks up the tempo and gives an infectious beat with “Running Out Of Time.” The backup harmonies matched with a hook that makes you feel like you’re having a main character moment is a killer way to start.
“Pull The Plug” introduces itself with simple string plucks and short phrases that tell a story. Living in a reverie, Willson finds herself begging to stay with lyrics like, “In case I’m asleep, don’t pull the plug.” With a quarter of the album already under the belt, the album progresses to “Cherry Trees.” Another 3-minute track that isn’t afraid to get personal. “Let’s get up and leave / Carve our names in cherry trees,” starts a wave of memories that Willson’s reliving as she sings through this song.
The fifth track on this album, “I Wanna Love You (But I Don’t),” is welcoming as a solo acoustic guitar plays out with Willson. A soft beat creeps in with the hook. With a full heart, Willson sings the chorus with backing vocals and a production that transports you to your most recent heartbreak. “Helter Skelter” accompanies this release well with another rhythmic plucking of acoustic strings and Willson’s voice whispering out. “I’m calling in sick the rest of this year,” she sings about. Resonating with us all as Willson’s voice dips in and out of the grooves of this song.
“Dear Stranger,” builds upon itself as the beat pulses with an infectious rhythm. While the song starts off with a visual of Willson falling through the sky, you can’t help but think about your parachute moment. That moment, Willson sings about, is falling so hard back into reality. With overcommitments and promises, Ashe sings about the time she’s lost, the changes in her person, and how things aren’t going to be like how they’ve been. The eighth track, “Hornet’s Nest,” starts with a story full of pain, regrets, and making things worse. This 4-minute track is one you can turn up and scream at the top of your lungs.
As the album winds down with “Castle,” this song isn’t one to sleep on. With a slow and gradual rise, the song opens with an electric guitar that Ashe sings against passionately. “I’m taking myself back / Even if I let everyone down,” Willson sings, a reminder to herself in her self-discovery journey. “I hope you die first,” is a love song for the ages. While it’s reminiscent of our two favorite lovebirds, Romeo & Juliet, this track rationalizes loving someone so much that you hope they die first. “Devil Herself,” has a strong piano presence as it begins with Willson’s imagery of committing crimes. From murder to pyromania, Willson is no stranger to letting her feelings get the best of her. With lyrics like, “I can tell you’re not yourself / Cause I fell in love with someone else,” Ashe is missing the way things once were. Paired with an addicting electric guitar, “Devil Herself” is a hidden gem of the album.
This 43-minute release ends with, “Ashe,” a self-love letter to herself. Singing about how she’s confessed to her shame, digging up the strength to ask for help, and lying about being okay, “Ashe” is an honest anecdote to the album’s end. Willson is a journey worth taking with Ashe, we promise you won’t regret it. You can follow Ashe on Instagram (@ashemusic) to stay up to date with new music, tour, and much more. Don’t forget to stream Wilson where you get music!