By: Laura Santaguida
Ashley Cooke has just released her newest project entitled Ace and we can’t stop listening. Ace, follows her 2023 debut album “shot in the dark”, and showcases her artistry and storytelling in country through her exploration in themes of love, heartbreak, and growing up.
The project opens with ‘gettin’old”, taking on a nostalgic feel where Cooke reflects on her experience growing into adulthood where life seems to feel more like a burden lately. It’s one of the most relatable and authentic tracks on the project where you can truly see yourself in Cooke’s lyrics. She details the struggles she’s faced with life moving too quickly while feeling like you just need a break from the many responsibilities that come with adulthood.
We then dive into the world of “baby blues”, one of the most anticipated tracks on the project. Expanding on themes of lust and love, Cooke uses her clever songwriting to capture your attention and keep you hooked on every word she writes. With a true country-pop sound and a hook you won’t be able to get out of your head, the track is not only addictive but a true representation of Cooke’s talent.
The project continues with “the f word”, a pre released standout track where Cooke uses a clever play on words to communicate her confessions of love. With a strong chorus and compelling verses, the track takes on a power ballad feel with hopeful lyrics.
“The hell you are”, released prior to the project as a whole. A true representation of female rage in country music, that will have you wanting to scream it in your car with the windows down.
Cooke then goes into “swear words” and “excuses” which both touch on the internal and external struggles of leaving a relationship. Lyrically, both tracks highlight different stages of heartbreak including thoughts of revisiting past relationships in “excuses” and the pain of saying goodbye in “swear words”.
Next is perhaps the albums’ showstopper with “tin foil hat (panic attack version)”, which mixes a pop melody with classic country songwriting and an addictive hook. Telling the story of seeing a past lover with someone new, the gradual build up of the song captures emotions of anxiety and unease to a tee.
The project concludes with “(my worst fear)”, a slow ballad told from a second person point of view where Cooke’s vulnerability highlights the feeling of loneliness that comes with the end of a relationship. She delves into themes of “what if” and contrasts it with where the individual is now, comparing where they are with where they could be in their life if they made different decisions.
“Ace” is a true reflection of Cooke’s diversity as an artist, showcasing her ability to experiment with different sounds and genres while staying true to her authentic songwriting. If you’re anything like us, these songs are going to be on repeat for the rest of the year!
Stay Wild. Stay Authentic. Stay Country
