[1] Its subject matter centers on Ashe's experiences with divorce, emotional abuse, and grief, including the passing of her brother due to an overdose in September 2020.

Prior to the release of Ashlyn, Ashe commented that the album is "deeply reflective and honest, full of stories of my experiences with fear and pain and turning those hard things into joy and independence".

[2] Chris DeVille of Stereogum described the album's composition as being "steeped in ornate arrangements and classic sounds".

[3] Jem Aswad of Variety opined that "it's a whale of a debut album from a giant young talent".

[5] The album debuted at number 194 on the US Billboard 200, making it Ashe's second entry on the chart.