Bluegrass has always had a way of looking backward while moving forward, and Ashleigh Graham’s latest single, “Who We Were Back Then,” is a masterclass in doing just that. Set to release on March 7, 2025, this duet with the legendary Russell Moore is a heartfelt journey through love, loss, and the memories that linger long after the last dance. Produced by the esteemed Stephen Burwell and backed by an all-star lineup, the track is bound to resonate with anyone who’s ever wondered, “Do you miss who we were back then?”
URL: https://ashleighgrahammusic.com/
From the first note, “Who We Were Back Then” feels like a conversation between two old souls—voices wrapped in the warmth of nostalgia, harmonizing like a front-porch confession under a Kentucky sunset. Graham’s vocals are pure and evocative, balancing vulnerability with quiet strength. She doesn’t just sing the words; she breathes life into them, making you feel every ounce of longing and reflection. Pair that with Russell Moore’s rich, seasoned tone, and you’ve got a duet that could stand among the greats.
Lyrically, the song is a masterful blend of sorrow and reminiscence. “I’m not dreaming of starting all over / I’ll never go through that again / and I ask myself and I’m asking you now / do you miss who we were back then?” These lines cut deep, speaking to the kind of love that leaves a permanent mark, even when it’s long gone. There’s no desperate plea for reconciliation here—just a wistful acknowledgment of what once was, making the song all the more powerful.
Instrumentally, “Who We Were Back Then” is a shining example of modern bluegrass done right. The track is layered with delicate yet driving instrumentation. The picking is crisp, the harmonies tight, and the arrangement perfectly balanced—never overshadowing the raw emotion in the vocals but enhancing it in all the right ways. Graham’s mandolin work is particularly striking, adding just the right amount of texture to the track.
APPE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/album/who-we-were-back-then-feat-russell-moore-single/1796277319
This single is the latest step in Graham’s impressive return to the bluegrass spotlight. After years of raising a family and exploring different musical avenues—from church singing to musical theater—she’s come back to her roots with a renewed passion. Her recent work with Pinecastle Records, including previous singles “Bless Your Little Heart” and “Head Over High Heels,” has already established her as a force to be reckoned with. And with “Who We Were Back Then,” she proves once again that she’s not just back—she’s here to stay.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Ashleigh Graham or just discovering her music, “Who We Were Back Then” is a must-listen. It’s bluegrass storytelling at its finest—bittersweet, timeless, and undeniably moving. So when March 7 rolls around, do yourself a favor: put this one on repeat, let the harmonies wash over you, and take a trip down memory lane. You just might find yourself missing who you were back then, too.
Gwen Waggoner
