CD Review: Ashley McBryde – Lindeville
By Adam Chance for Country Music News International Magazine
1. Brenda Put Your Bra On
2. Jesus Jenny
3. Dandelion Diner
4. The Girl in the Picture
5. If These Dogs Could Talk
6. Play Ball
7. Ronnie’s Pawn Shop
8. The Missed Connection Section of the Lindeville Gazette
9. Gospel Night at the Strip Club
10. Forkem Family Funeral Home
11. When Will I Be Loved
12. Bonfire at Tina’s
13. Lindeville
Ashley McBryde’s album, Lindeville, transports listeners to a fictional small town brimming with colorful characters and poignant stories, underscoring McBryde’s storytelling prowess and unique country sound.
Opening with the cheeky and unforgettable Brenda Put Your Bra On, the album sets a lively and engaging tone. McBryde’s knack for blending humor with heartfelt emotion shines through, creating a tapestry of relatable and compelling narratives.
Each track introduces a new character or scene, making the album feel like a collection of short stories. Songs like Jesus Jenny and Blackout Betty (incorrectly mentioned in the original review but actually Ronnie’s Pawn Shop) bring humor and resilience to the forefront, while tracks such as Dandelion Diner and If These Dogs Could Talk delve into deeper, more reflective themes. McBryde’s versatility as a songwriter and vocalist is evident, seamlessly shifting between moods and styles.
The album’s centerpiece, Gospel Night at the Strip Club, epitomizes McBryde’s ability to find beauty and grace in unexpected places. This juxtaposition of the sacred and the profane highlights the complexity of the human experience, a recurring theme in McBryde’s work.
Ashley McBryde has said, “Lindeville is a place where the characters are as flawed and fascinating as the people we know in real life.” This authenticity permeates the album, with each song offering a glimpse into the lives of the town’s inhabitants. The richly detailed lyrics and evocative melodies paint vivid pictures, making the listener feel like a part of the Lindeville community.
Lindeville has something for every country music fan. From the haunting introspection of The Devil I Know (not on the album) to the anthemic Play Ball, the album offers a diverse array of sounds and stories. The title track, Lindeville, serves as a fitting conclusion, encapsulating the essence of the town and its people.
Ashley McBryde and her collaborators have crafted an album that celebrates the quirks and complexities of small-town life while pushing the boundaries of the country genre. Lindeville is a testament to McBryde’s growth as an artist and her ability to touch the hearts of her audience.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
For more information, visit Ashley McBryde’s official website – https://www.ashleymcbryde.com