ToC Critic’s Pick: Ashley Monroe, ‘On to Something Good’ [Listen]
Fans can hear Ashley Monroe smiling as she sings her new song “On to Something Good.” The difference between this swinging, feel-good tune and the dark tracks heard on her debut album is stunning. But then suddenly, it’s captivating.
Monroe's chosen single cover photo for the song — a non-specific '70s, Palm Beach vibe atop perfectly manicured landscaping— kind of describes it perfectly, but we’ll wax poetic for 300 or so words anyway. “On to Something Good” makes one want to mom dance. The more you listen, the more fun it becomes, but not at the expense of strong songwriting.
“Wheels are gonna rust / If they don’t turn enough / And so the story goes / Yeah, I’ve been one of those worn and faded by the rain,” Monroe sings to begin the song. “Days are gonna fly / Draw lines around your eyes / It’ll make you bitter, it’ll make you wise / it’s coming either way.”
Producer Vince Gill’s fingerprints are all over this, but in all honesty, country radio would be better with him smudging up the windows. Soncially, one recalls Kelly Clarkson’s “Don’t Rush,” a duet with Gill that peaked near the Top 20 in 2013. Monroe’s single isn’t really a love song, but it’s no doubt inspired by love. It hits rare air when she stands on tiptoes to hit the chorus:
“Lost and found / I’m better dancing when I don’t look down / Hard times show up but they don’t hang around / I feel like I’m on to something good / I’m better moving on than going back / I’ll ride this train till it runs out of track / I feel like I’m on to something, something, something.”
First Gary Allan, now Monroe … if David Nail starts singing buoyant love songs, then we know there really is something funny in Nashville's air. Love looks good on this talented vocalist. Her new single steers in a new direction, but it's one fans would be wise to follow.
Key Lyrics: "Lost and found / I’m better dancing when I don’t look down / Hard times show up but they don’t hang around / I feel like I’m on to something good"
Did You Know?: Monroe's new song reflects a happier state of mind. The recently married singer recognizes the approach is a deviation from songs on Like a Rose, but says, "If you're not growing, you're dying."
Listen to Ashley Monroe, “On to Something Good”
See Ashley Monroe + More as Kids