Recognizing peace with one’s self as the ultimate source of strength.
On Tennessee Lightning, Ashley Monroe returns with a record that feels less like a comeback than it is, laced with gratefulness and perspective. Written after her remission from blood cancer, the album is a collection of emotions and sounds of gospel, southern rock and folk. All of these are stitched together with the thread of her voice that elicits the energy of both survival and surrender.
This is a record that hums with the vitality of a healthy life. Monroe lets her voice and instruments balance each other out on every track, which sonically sounds like the unfolding of chapters in a story. Her voice moves from an intense smoldering intimacy to a calming spiritual lift, but never breaks its tether to honesty.
The track “Risen Road” sets the tone for this record. It is a gospel style slow burn that is packed with graciousness. On “Magnolia,” Monroe leans into a rock sound with a gritty guitar playing alongside her voice, while “My Favourite Movie” sounds like something cinematic and serves as a reminder of how easily she can step into grandiose sound without losing her personal touch.
Monroe isn’t editing or censoring herself on this record; she’s pouring it all out for everyone to hear – her reflections, dreams and the bits of joy and longing. The track “Moon Child” is almost whispered to you. It is a hymn that lands like a hand resting lightly on your shoulder, letting you know everything will be ok.
Tennessee Lightning is a testament to what remains after the trials and tribulations of life we all face. Those that remain are love, resilience and the need to keep creating things we are passionate about. Ashley Monroe proves that sometimes the boldest statement is not in volume, but instead in the clarity of one’s voice.
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