The Devil I Know cover

The Devil I Know

Ashley McBryde · 2023

38 min · 11 tracks · country music

A vibrant blend of traditional country storytelling and contemporary themes, wrapped in Ashley McBryde's dynamic vocal delivery.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Made for This — This opening track sets an empowering tone for the album, encapsulating McBryde's journey and determination while blending upbeat instrumentation with heartfelt lyrics.
  • →
    Coldest Beer in Town — With its catchy chorus and clever wordplay, this track stands out as a fun anthem that celebrates friendship and good times, showcasing McBryde's ability to balance lightheartedness with substance.
  • →
    The Devil I Know — The title track delves into themes of familiarity and comfort in relationships, reflecting McBryde’s signature style of weaving personal narratives with broader emotional truths.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong songwriting but lacks a cohesive flow across its tracks.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks feature prominent storytelling elements, with lyrics that explore personal experiences and relationships.
  • The instrumentation blends traditional country elements like acoustic guitars and fiddles with modern production techniques, creating a fresh sound.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. 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

  • steady mid-tempo storytelling flow
  • relatable narratives for everyday life
  • casual gatherings with friends
  • warm reflections on personal experiences

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy party tracks
  • prefer standalone singles over albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on September 8, 2023, The Devil I Know marks Ashley McBryde's third studio album following her breakout success with Girl Going Nowhere in 2018. At this stage in her career, she has established herself as a prominent voice in country music, earning critical acclaim and a growing fanbase. This album further solidifies her artistic identity and commercial appeal.
Stylistic neighbors
Brandy Clark· Kacey Musgraves· Maggie Rose

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Made for This 3:43
  • 2 Coldest Beer in Town 3:39
  • 3 Light On in the Kitchen 3:32
  • 4 Women Ain't Whiskey 2:46
  • 5 Learned to Lie 3:50
  • 6 The Devil I Know 3:07
  • 7 Single at the Same Time 3:41
  • 8 Cool Little Bars 3:42
  • 9 Whiskey and Country Music 2:57
  • 10 Blackout Betty 4:01
  • 11 6th of October 3:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata