What makes Ash by Ibeyi notable?

Ash received critical acclaim, debuting at number 10 on the French Albums Chart and earning praise for its innovative fusion of styles. The album's lead single, Deathless, became a cultural touchstone, addressing themes of resilience and empowerment, which resonated widely in contemporary discussions around social justice. When Ibeyi released Ash in 2017, they were building on the success of their self-titled debut album from 2015. This sophomore effort showcased their growth as artists, further exploring themes of identity and cultural heritage while incorporating a wider range of influences.

Ash works well if you're into haunting melodies for introspection, short tracks inviting repeat listens and emotional intensity in every moment.

How many songs are on Ash?

Ash has 12 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Ash

Ibeyi · 2017

39 min · 12 tracks · rhythm and blues

A haunting blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and ethereal harmonies that resonate with deep emotional intensity.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Deathless — This track encapsulates the album's core themes of resilience and strength, blending powerful lyrics with evocative melodies that invite listeners to reflect on mortality and perseverance.
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I Carried This for Years — Opening the album, this track sets an introspective tone with its minimalist instrumentation and haunting vocals, effectively drawing listeners into the emotional landscape of Ash.
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No Man Is Big Enough for My Arms — This song stands out for its bold declaration of self-worth and independence, showcasing the duo's ability to combine personal narrative with universal themes in an impactful way.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

Ibeyi's 'Ash' blends rich cultural influences with innovative songwriting, creating a distinctive sound that resonates emotionally.

What we noticed

The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that gradually introduces layered vocals and percussion, setting a haunting tone.
Several tracks feature call-and-response vocal patterns, emphasizing the Afro-Cuban influence while creating a dialogue between the singers.
The final track, Ash, concludes with an extended instrumental section that fades out slowly, leaving a lingering emotional impact.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

haunting melodies for introspection
short tracks inviting repeat listens
emotional intensity in every moment
afternoon calm with rhythmic depth

Maybe skip if you

dislike brief, fragmented experiences
prefer high-energy party vibes

Where this album fits

Career context: When Ibeyi released Ash in 2017, they were building on the success of their self-titled debut album from 2015. This sophomore effort showcased their growth as artists, further exploring themes of identity and cultural heritage while incorporating a wider range of influences.
Stylistic neighbors: Lola Marsh· Noga Erez· Sofi Tukker