Ashlyn＜Red/White Vinyl/Etched D-Side＞

Still immersed in the heartache and healing from a breakup that informed her Billboard 200-charting EP Moral of the Story: Chapter 1 and its squeal, Moral of the Story: Chapter 2, Ashlyn is the full-length debut of California singer and songwriter Ashlyn Willson, better known as Ashe. While she had cited influences like Carole King and the Beach Boys early in her career, Ashlyn was more informed by the likes of Elton John, Queen, and ABBA, a detail evident in the bright melodies and refined harmonies of some of the albums dozen-plus tracks. (Her Hot 100 single Moral of the Story is re-included here). Given that Ashe is an earthbound adult-alternative pop singer/songwriter at heart rather than an astral belter, only softer echoes of Queen and ABBA can be heard on tracks like Im Fine, the bubbly, strings-accompanied Me Without You, and the warm tribute to her brother, Rynes Song. Helping brighten surfaces while evoking 70s pop on Ashlyn was producer Big Taste (aka Leroy Clampitt), who also co-wrote most of the tracks. Among other contributors were Tobias Jesso, Jr. (co-writer of Kansas), Jenna Andrews (Serial Monogamist), and Finneas, who joins her on the wistful duet Til Forever Falls Apart. The albums personal material and considered, sweet spirit is all Ashe, however, who offers a debut that seems both contemporary and out of time. ~ Marcy Donelson

ビリー・アイリッシュの兄フィニアスが強力にバックアップするUSシンガー・ソングライターのデビュー作。彼との共演曲や彼がプロデュースに関わった"Moral Of The Story"(同曲のナイル・ホーランとの共演ヴァージョンも収録)をはじめ、70年代風のソフト・ロックがズラリ。全盛期のエルトン・ジョンもビックリしそうだが、いままた逆に新鮮でも。清涼感溢れる歌声に乗せて、正統派ポップスの魅力を再認識させてくれる。
bounce (C)村上ひさし