Kassi Ashton | Made From The Dirt: The Blooms Review

By Bea Willis

Kassi Ashton’s debut album, Made From The Dirt, and its expanded deluxe edition, Made From The Dirt: The Blooms, establish her as one of country music’s most engaging new voices. Released in September 2024 and April 2025, respectively, these records chronicle Ashton’s journey from her Missouri roots through hard-won self-knowledge, blending country, rock, and soul with striking individuality. The deluxe edition adds five new tracks that enrich and expand the narrative arc of the original release, highlighting Ashton’s growth not only as a storyteller but also as a formidable force within the genre.

Through fifteen tracks, Ashton carves out a sound that feels timeless and defiantly contemporary country, honoring tradition while adding pop and rock elements.

Opening with the title track, “Made From The Dirt,” Ashton lays her foundation with a gritty autobiographical song. Co-written with Luke Laird and Oscar Charles, the song’s soulful melody and earthy production frame her story of resilience, setting the tone for the album’s raw honesty.

The energy picks up with “Ride Or Die Radio,” a buoyant blend of pop-rock country. Built around a strong backbeat and lightly distorted electric guitars, the arrangement grows thoughtfully with subtle pedal steel textures in the second verse to expanded instrumentation and spatial vocal production in the second chorus. A spirited guitar solo leads into a dynamic breakdown, showcasing the band’s tight structure and Ashton’s effortless blend of energy and authenticity.

“Called Crazy” flips the script on the notion of emotional instability. With fiery delivery and clever lyricism, Ashton transforms an insult into a badge of honor, celebrating individuality with unapologetic spirit.

“Son Of A Gun” dives into personal history, recounting her parents’ unconventional meeting with a rebellious twang. The humor and grit in the storytelling exemplify Ashton’s ability to mine personal anecdotes for universal resonance.

On “I Don’t Wanna Dance,” Ashton pairs a memorable melody with the emotional lyric of heartbreak, capturing the push-pull tension of wanting to move on but still feeling tethered to the past.

“The Straw” emerges as one of the album’s emotional high points. Over a medium country groove framed by acoustic guitars and pedal steel, Ashton’s expressive lower-register delivery creates a legato flow through glissando-infused phrasing. As the song builds, her emotional intensity grows, culminating in a powerful, grit-edged climax as she builds to the key phrase, “The last damn straw that broke the back of the girl that loved ya, ah,” with remarkable dynamic control and raw feeling.

The duet “Sounds Like Something I’d Say,” featuring Parker McCollum, navigates the bittersweet complexities of rekindled relationships. Their voices intertwine with a melancholy sweetness that brings vulnerability to the fore.

“Angels Smoke Cigarettes” provides a standout moment lyrically. Ashton challenges traditional images of purity by depicting her angels as flawed guardians, “speaking their mind with whiskey breath” and “humming along to Hank Williams songs.” The song’s vivid, relatable imagery reframes divinity as messy but deeply loyal, offering a grounded vision of faith that feels refreshingly human.

“All Over You” continues the emotional exploration, illustrating the lingering presence of a former love through an urgent yet understated arrangement. Ashton’s vocal phrasing captures the ache of trying, and failing, to move forward.

“The Stars Know” taps into celestial imagery to reflect themes of destiny and self-discovery. A shimmering arrangement underscores the reflective mood, highlighting Ashton’s knack for blending personal introspection with broader storytelling.

“When I’m Gone” shifts the mood with a groove-infused contemplation on legacy. The rhythmic drive and fluid vocal delivery allow Ashton to explore heavy themes without ever losing her natural sense of movement and vitality.

In “Bar Fight,” Ashton captures the chaos and emotional volatility of confrontation, using high-octane energy and sharp lyricism to paint a scene as vivid as any movie sequence.

“Drive You Out Of My Mind” marries danceable production with emotional substance. Anchored by a steady eighth-note bass and guitar pulse that builds into a full backbeat from the drums, the track features bright electric guitars and a tasteful pedal steel solo. Ashton’s vocal sits cleanly at the center of the mix, free of heavy effects, allowing her nuanced emotional inflections to shine. The groove provides a buoyant counterpoint to the heartbreak narrative, striking a perfect balance between moving your feet and moving your heart.

“‘Til The Lights Go Out” offers a defiant anthem of ambition. Lyrically, Ashton taps into the restless energy of “big dreams in small towns,” refusing to settle for complacency. Images of loose wheels rolling their own way and the refusal to be “nailed down” evoke a relentless drive for self-actualization, reinforced by a building, anthemic arrangement.

The closing track, “Juanita,” is a heartfelt tribute to Ashton’s grandmother. Beginning with medium-up acoustic guitar strumming, Ashton’s country-tinged vocals draw the listener into an intimate, emotionally rich scene. Lines like “Today the lights are golden, ’cause you get to hug your daddy and your mama” and “I know my soul will feel you sitting on my shoulder” create a powerful storyline of loss intertwined with enduring faith and connection. The understated instrumental layering underscores the tenderness without overwhelming the personal gravity of the lyrics.

With Made From The Dirt: The Blooms, Kassi Ashton delivers a fully realized debut that blends raw authenticity, thoughtful production, and contemporary country songwriting. Every track contributes to the rich narrative. The fifteen songs offer a portrait of an artist deeply connected to her roots yet unafraid to stretch genre boundaries. By pairing polished musicianship with lyrical honesty, Ashton is one of country music’s most compelling new voices, a storyteller ready to leave an indelible mark.

5 Finger Review rates this an 89

Artist: Kassi Ashton
Album: Made From The Dirt: The Blooms
Label: UMG Recordings

Buy and Stream Links

Release Date: April 25, 2025

About the author

Bea Willis

Author

With an unwavering passion for music that began at the tender age of five, I embarked on a journey of self-expression through the piano, later expanding my repertoire to the guitar and the art of singing. As a seasoned performer in cozy coffee shops and harmonious choir ensembles, I've immersed myself in the diverse tapestry of musical genres, seeking to uncover the intricate qualities that strike a chord within our souls.

Beyond my personal experiences, my journalistic pursuits have led me to explore the stories and inspirations behind the melodies we hold dear. As a music journalist, I aim to delve into the heart of each composition, shedding light on the creative minds that have shaped the soundscape of our lives.

In my downtime, you can find me serenading my loyal canine companion with heartfelt tunes on the guitar or indulging in retail therapy to enhance my ever-growing wardrobe. Songwriting holds a special place in my heart, and I yearn for the day when I can share my creative talents with the world. Until then, my passion for uncovering the emotional power within music continues to drive my insightful reviews and analyses, as I journey through the rich landscape of melodies that move us.