Counting the Wins: Ashleigh Graham’s “A Dozen Reasons” Offers a Bluegrass Antidote to Self-Doubt
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Artist: Ashleigh Graham Single: “A Dozen Reasons” Writers: Scott Patrick, Jeff McClellan Album: I’ll Just Drive (2025) Label: Pinecastle Records
Ashleigh Graham’s journey in bluegrass has been one of perseverance, leading her from childhood festival stages to a necessary hiatus for family, and now, to an emphatic return with her debut full-length album, I’ll Just Drive. The single, “A Dozen Reasons,” serves as a bright, mandolin-driven centerpiece of this comeback, acting as a high-octane pep talk set to a classic contemporary bluegrass rhythm.
Artist Background: A Bluegrass Homecoming
Ashleigh Graham’s roots run deep in Appalachian acoustic tradition. Raised in the music, she recorded her first bluegrass album at just fifteen. While life led her toward raising a family and exploring other musical avenues—including inspirational Christian music and musical theater—her passion for bluegrass remained constant. The forced pause of the COVID era allowed her to feverishly reconnect with her acoustic songwriting, leading to her signing with Pinecastle Records and the release of her album.
Graham is not just a vocalist; she is a capable mandolinist and songwriter, contributing several tracks to the I’ll Just Drive project. Her sound is traditional in its instrumentation but contemporary in its outlook, reflecting a willingness to explore modern themes and personal reflection while honoring the genre’s driving energy.
The Deep Cut: Song and Lyric Analysis
“A Dozen Reasons,” penned by Scott Patrick and Jeff McClellan, is built around a simple, powerful concept: for every doubt, there is a reason to move forward. The song confronts the inner voice of hesitation—the fear of failure, the pain of past mistakes, or the overwhelming feeling of not being good enough—but immediately counters it with an overwhelming call to resilience.
“A dozen reasons why you shouldn’t try, the voice of doubt keeps telling you a lie.”
The lyric structure is straightforward and highly relatable, directly addressing the listener’s internal struggles. It suggests that while obstacles are numerous, the motivations—the “dozen reasons”—to persevere and chase a dream are just as abundant and, ultimately, more compelling. The track acts as a sonic reset button, encouraging listeners to dismiss the negativity and embrace the courage required for new beginnings. This message is particularly resonant given Graham’s own narrative of returning to her lifelong passion.
Instrumentation and Tone
Musically, “A Dozen Reasons” is vibrant and optimistic, providing a perfect foil for the encouraging lyrics. It kicks off with a driving, high-energy pace characteristic of the best contemporary bluegrass. Graham herself handles the lead vocals and mandolin, providing a tight, clean melodic foundation.
The backing band is stellar, featuring a cast of heavy-hitters that ensure the track’s professional polish: Eli Johnston on banjo, Scott Patrick on guitar, Stephen Burwell on fiddle, Kameron Keller on upright bass, and John Meador on harmony vocals. Johnston’s banjo work is crisp and propulsive, driving the rhythm section with infectious momentum, while Burwell’s fiddle adds bright, soaring melodic fills. The instrumental breaks are sharp and economical, showcasing the players’ skill without distracting from the song’s positive core.
The overall production is clean and modern, allowing each instrument to cut through the mix clearly. The resulting sound is a perfect blend of high-level musicianship and accessible, feel-good songwriting—a sound that has quickly propelled the track, along with the title track and the Gospel-charting “Soldiers of Heaven,” up the roots music charts.
Verdict: “A Dozen Reasons” is pure contemporary bluegrass uplift. It’s an essential track for anyone facing a daunting challenge or needing a musical shot of encouragement. Ashleigh Graham delivers a message of courage and persistence with authenticity and impressive command, proving that her return to the bluegrass world is a powerful, welcome addition to the genre.