Why ‘The Devil I Know’ Wasn’t the Lead Single for Ashley McBryde’s 4th Album
Ashley McBryde is one of the most exciting artists in country music with her powerful voice, raw lyricism, and unapologetic realness. Her fourth studio album, The Devil I Know, is packed with gritty lyrics depicting McBryde’s real-life experiences. Yet, despite being the album’s title track, “The Devil I Know” wasn’t chosen as the lead single —a decision that has fans and critics asking why.
“Light On in the Kitchen”: The Album’s Lead Single
In the music industry, the choice of a lead single is often strategic, designed to set the tone for an album and to hook listeners right away. For Ashley, it’s ‘The Devil I Know’, but her music label, Warner Music Nashville, didn’t think so and went with ‘Light On in the Kitchen’ instead since the song is more acceptable to a wider audience —a track that could pique the interest of both longtime fans and new listeners alike.
“The Devil I Know”: A Suitable Follow-Up (But Not Without Compromises)
Ashley fought tooth and nail to make “The Devil I Know” her follow-up single. She eventually won but had to make compromises. Some radio stations complained about the lyrics of the song and how many times she used the word “a–.” She tried to bargain for an acceptable number but had to resort to using a more acceptable alternative, changing “get my a– to church” to “get on back to church.”
McBryde’s been very candid about the inspiration for her song “The Devil I Know.” She recounted her early days, driving herself to bars to play as a young woman, despite people telling her she wouldn’t make it. Now, as she plays in theaters and amphitheaters, people are still whispering that fame has changed her into a terrible person. Through the years, she kept on hearing people saying she should be doing something instead, but as she puts it, she “got where she is by sticking with the devil she knows.” Overall, the song reminds listeners to not pay any attention to negative comments.
Balance Between Two Great Tracks
Having these two great tracks with “Light On in the Kitchen” as the lead single and “The Devil I Know” as the album’s title track and focal point, reflects a thoughtful consideration to balance out commercial strategy with McBryde’s artistic expression. McBryde and Warner Music Nashville recognized the need for a song that could appeal to new listeners while still providing McBryde’s signature style of music without disappointing long-term fans.
