Never Will
by Ashley McBryde
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 7 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. PopMatters
    May 4, 2020
    70
    The quality of the material on this album shows she's got a lot on her mind -- maybe more than she realizes.
  2. Exclaim
    Apr 6, 2020
    80
    McBryde stretches musically and melodically to incorporate country, pop and alternative rock sounds, while her lyrics are brazen, badass and unexpectedly beautiful.
  3. American Songwriter
    Apr 3, 2020
    80
    Never Will (pre-order here) proves the tough gal persona she established on that stunning debut was no fluke or act. It shows she’s got plenty of raw talent to keep her career growing as another capable, no BS rootsy country infused woman who has charged into the charts and is likely to stay there.
  5. Mojo
    Apr 3, 2020
    80
    Fine follow-up. ... McBryde's charisma remains centre-stage. [May 2020, p.90]
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  6. Rolling Stone
    Apr 3, 2020
    80
    McBryde’s second major-label release, Never Will, is just as daring and deep, sometimes deceptively so [as Girl Going Nowhere].
  7. Variety
    Apr 3, 2020
    92
    “Never Will,” is not a letdown. ... It’s McBryde as the driver that makes this the second straight country album of the year contender in a row he’s produced (coming off Brandy Clark’s very different, more stylized effort).
  8. AllMusic
    Apr 3, 2020
    80
    ["Sparrow" and "Stone"] are melancholy grace notes on an album that's otherwise strikingly open-hearted and resilient, proof that McBryde is broadening her horizons while deepening her core humanistic strengths as a writer and performer.

Awards & Rankings

91
#91 Best Album of 2020

User Reviews

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User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. chrisss_sales
    May 24, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Masterpiece, amazing album. Ashley is perfect and the songs so much more. Ily… Full Review »
  2. LISOCHIKOTOSA
    Mar 3, 2021
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Ashley is a powerful and emotive vocalist. The songwriting and production all from Jay Joyce is breathtaking and immaculate. Its real country music though its not stereotypical like most country pop music these days, there is no mention of a chevy, a truck, farms, whiskey for example. Rather she made something so thoughtful and well written which tackles a variety of topics. These include one night stands and removing the stigma that women normally have on One Night Standards. The fusion of traditional country instruments and rock on Voodoo Doll is very impressive. Her vocal performance on Sparrow is completely off the chain!!!!!. The chorus is so good. Shut Up Sheila is also a great song about dealing with grief, loss and death; the lyrics tell a vivid story and its so refreshing. Martha Divine is another interesting song about infidelity with a lot of biblical references. Velvet Red gives some bluegrass vibes while narrating the story of an illegitimate child. The title track also has some unique instrumentation and memorable lyrics. All in All, Ashley made a great album which explores a variety of issues and sounds in country. I wish more people would hear this… Full Review »
  3. Jungstir
    Apr 11, 2020
    8
    I wasn't sure she would repeat her success with her second effort but clearly she is a force to be reckoned with. Great vocals, fine acousticI wasn't sure she would repeat her success with her second effort but clearly she is a force to be reckoned with. Great vocals, fine acoustic tunes but mostly country crossover, and a great storyteller with rock licks throughout. She takes no prisoners and once you listen track to track she is just that good..… Full Review »
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