Ashton Shepherd’s New Album Is Here, Finally
Ashton Shepherd’s album, Sounds So Good, is here at last. So now everyone can enjoy the rich country sound she’s bringing back to country radio (with the support of the smoking hot fiddle work by Nashville vet Joe Spivey). But for me, so much of what makes this music so blessedly relatable is the lyrics. So I’m going to list a dozen of the lines I love the most, and when you’re done listening to the album I highly recommend buying, you can come back here and list your own favorites.
They are, in no particular order:
1. So what if I like the bar and dancin’? What do you care if you don’t mind me askin’?
2. Tonight I’ve had too much to drink and he stays on my mind.
3. There ain’t nothin’ like the sound of a cooler slushin’ on the bed of your truck.
4. You don’t ever even talk to me, I just get to do your laundry.
5. There’s always somethin’ to be done, but I still like havin’ fun.
6. I’m a grown woman, I should’ve already set myself free.
7. I felt at home though I’d never been in there before.
8. She ain’t gonna stay, she don’t work that way.
9. I’ve got a baby at home, a to-do list a mile long.
10. And hopin’ to God you feel like I do, completely lost in you.
11. I can’t believe you even spoke to me, what nerve you must have.
12. I like a pint of Crown and a country sound.
I know that words on paper don’t do justice to the way they sound coming out of her mouth, but you have to admit they certainly pique your interest. Now just try to imagine them delivered with a Loretta Lynn twangy drawl, Patsy Cline expressiveness, Gretchen Wilson sass, Martina McBride power and Carrie Underwood’s vocal control. Or, just go download the album to hear these lyrics come to life. Even without the pint of Crown, these 11 songs will put you in your happy country place.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Brooke says:
I have said #1, #3 and #12 plenty of times so this chick sounds like someone who I gotta have in my life even if it is just through the music! I’m so young that I can’t apreciate Loretta and Patsy but the comparisons to Gretchen and Carrie makes tons of sense. It all sounds so good! ;)
OutlawSteph says:
Wow.. did someone sit in front of the TV with Jerry Springer on to get those lyrics?
I come here to read what Chet, Ed and Craig have to say. But I can’t help but read the garbarge too. I don’t know why I’m shocked anymore. CMT.com should make a new page for blogs like this and leave the intelligent posts on their own page. I really don’t want to read it.
-Stephanie
hotelmotel says:
Here’s what gets me about Ashton Shepard. I’ve only heard her single “Taking off This Pain,” and its a catchy but trashy song. She seems to have a decent voice, and she is “more country” than your typical Rascal Flats song.
But why is she considered by some a savior of traditional country music? She seems to be a slightly toned-down version of Gretchen Wilson. That’s not gonna make her a savior. She may have talent, and I wish her the best, but I don’t think she’s the next Tammy Wynette.
Traditional country music has a lot to offer, but Shepard’s single seems almost like a parody of that music.
I also agree with OutlawSteph about the lyrics.
Randy says:
Who then is our Savior? Is it someone like Carrie Underwood who only sings what some committee says she should, and sings about things she knows nothing about…or someone like Trisha Yearwood who sings the sappy meaningless stuff that she thinks soccer moms will like???If you don’t like these Ashton Shepherd lyrics, you probably hated Loretta Lynn too. Yet she was making hits for decades. I think the only ones watching too much Jerry Springer are the ones who come onto blogs to trash the bloggers.
hotelmotel says:
Randy - I do not suggest there is a savior, or that Carrie or Trisha is the savior.
And I certainly did not hate Loretta Lynn. Songs like “Fist City,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough,” and “Don’t Come Home…” and “the Pill” were a breath of fresh air. They portrayed a strong, working-class woman before such portrayals became route cliches.
When Loretta Lynn sang “Don’t Come Home A-Drinking,” it was fresh and believable. When Ashton sings “Taking Off This Pain,” it sounds like a parody of type of music Loretta Lynn was so good at.
Amanda says:
The bashers on here obviously haven’t listened to Ashton’s full album because her talent SHINES through it! There is no denying her fantastic songwriting/singing skills. I mean you just can’t deny it! She IS a SAVIOUR for country music because she brings it back to the roots of what true, authentic COUNTRY is. Not this pop crap that is out there now! She is simply amazing and I know thats why she got her record deal so quickly…Nashville saw it too!! Keep it up Ashton, you rock!!!
David Nisbet says:
I love that there’s so many Traditional artists getting recognized lately. I’m a big fan of all kinds of Country, from Bluegrass to Western Swing, but it’s good when the really hardcore Country artists get some big publicity for a change.
Chris LeDoux To Encore With “Ridin’ For A Fall” Video — The 9513 says:
[...] Peter Cooper calls Ashton Shepherd a breath of fresh air for people wearied by the status quo. Alison Bonaguro is inclined to agree, however some of her readers feel differently. [...]
Miranda says:
Ashton is amazing! Absoultely amazing! Check out her CMT Unplugged sessions- out of this world talent AND she is REAL. People who question this are just plain ignorant
Patrick says:
If you don’t think Ashton Shepherd has a great voice and isn’t traditional country, just listen to the song “Old Memory”. This is an unbelievable song and shows that she isn’t just a toned down version of Gretchen Wilson. This woman can most definitley sing.
Blazer_D says:
It sounds like HotelMotel has been sitting in her lonely motel room for too long watching Jerry Springer. Anyone can clearly see and hear that Ashton Shepherd has more talent for song writing and singing than any country music artist on the charts today. That is why all the music lables wanted to sign her on the spot. Keep up the song writing and singing Ashton. We all love to hear that good ole country sound…..
Blazer_D says:
OutlawSteph looks like you need to quit watching Springer and clean your ears out, Ashton Shepherd blows Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline out of the water. And Gretchen Wilson only wishes she could sing like Ashton can. Do your self a favor and listen to Ashtons cd all the way through and you will hear what the rest of us hear, and that is good ole country music from a little ole country gal.
FreeAshtonMusic!!! says:
Everyone check out http://www.discoverashton.com/ for a free download of “The Pickin’ Shed.” I just found out about this. The password is NEJMOT22. The more I listen to her, the more I think she’s about to take country music over.
Leeanne says:
Wow! Next years Horizon award already locked up. The girl can sing.
Nana E says:
I totally agree with Leeanne. THIS years horizon winner will be just that , a winner, not someone singing songs for the exec’s in their record label, and singing about topics they have no clue about. I hate the way country music has gone pop. I never, ever listen to country radio anymore, because it’s the same old thing, except it’s only new songs, none of the music that we all grew up on. Mandrell, Cline, Lynn, Loveless, Mattea..where are those great singers songs? Ashton Shepherd has gotten me excited about country music again! Her voice is incredible, her songwriting effortless, and she is the real deal.I absolutely love her cd ! I am wearing it out, playing it all day long. As a southern lady also, I can so relate to all of her songs. Bet that’s her real hair color too.
Carla A says:
My husband and i saw Ashton at the Cajun Heartland State Fair, in Lafayette, La. on May 31. and we were swept away. She has IT!! The sound of her voice is what makes me love country music. Sounds So Good is just that and more. If you haven’t bought this CD you don’t know what your missing. Can’t wait to hear more. We love you. God Bless.
kevin presson says:
i listen to all country music and this is hands down the best album of the year. every one has different taste so we are not all going to agree. i cringe when a taylor swift song comes on because i do not think she can sing. good songwriter but not a singer. and to see her win award after award and someone like ashton ignored is baffling to me. i could go on and on but in a nut shell “great album”.
justinv says:
I think ashton is so great and inspiring! She has brought classic country back and I hope she releases a song that goes number 1 so that she will get the recognition she needs!!