Oct 20, 2021

Ashland Craft ‘Travelin’ Kind’ Album Review

Ashland Craft released her debut album Travelin’ Kind on Friday, September 3. Craft takes fans on the open road with 11 tracks that showcase her heart and soul. A spitfire set on blazing her own path, Craft’s debut effort sets her apart from the new crop of rising stars.

The South Carolina native has already won critical acclaim at the introduction of her career. American Songwriter said, “In sharing her innermost vulnerabilities, craft puts forth something universally resonant as an ambassador of country music.” Since appearing in the top 10 of The Voice, Craft has gone on to open shows for Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and is the current opener for Zac Brown Band. Tracks featured on this album “Make It Past Georgia” and “Your Momma Still Does” have been previously released to fan adoration.

The title track, “Travelin’ Kind” leads the album with its rock-country flare. Craft expresses her desire in going wherever life takes her. “I wasn’t made for the settling down, in a white picket fence water tank town, I got a soul like a black crow flyin’.”

“Your Momma Still Does” demonstrates Craft’s songwriting in the purest form. This track is a brazen look at how heartbreak affects more than the two people involved. “You don’t need to call me, saying you’re sorry, that you messed up, but your momma still does.” Another exceptionally vulnerable song is “Day By Day.” The lyrics detail not caring about how getting over a heartache is supposed to look like. The honesty about truly taking it day by day suits Craft’s authentic style.

Craft’s personality shines through on tracks such as “Mimosa’s In The Morning.” It’s an up-tempo country song that’s a perfect backdrop for any get-together. A classic country feel is brought in on the spirited “Last 20 Dollars.” “Here’s to the letting go and going broke.”

Travelin’ Kind ends in a similar way it started: real and rocking. “That’s The Kinda Place” is about honoring where Craft came from, and how it shaped her into who she is today. “Put your finger on the middle of nowhere, we lived right there, where the stars just beg you to wish on ‘em, the home team ain’t got no quit on ‘em.” Craft’s unyielding vocals and genuine lyrics prove she aims for nothing but the best.

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