Ashley Kutcher “Useless” Review: A Raw New Country-Pop Anthem

Look, we’ve all been there: staring at a phone, feeling completely stuck, and wondering why we can’t just move on. Ashley Kutcher’s new single, “Useless,” is the musical equivalent of that exact feeling.

It’s raw, it’s slightly uncomfortable in its honesty, and it’s exactly why we fell in love with her in the first place.

The “Nursing School to Viral Fame” Pipeline

Most people don’t go from studying anatomy to selling out national tours, but Ashley Kutcher isn’t “most people.” A few years back, she was just another nursing student until a TikTok comment sparked the idea for “Love You From a Distance.”

She thought she was just writing a song for herself. Instead, she ended up with millions of fans asking, “Wait, have you been reading my diary?” Fast forward through 240 million Spotify streams, a debut album (House on the Water), and the Play Responsibly EP, and Ashley is back with a new chapter that feels like a homecoming.

Coastal Roots Meet Country-Pop

If you listen closely to the rhythm of Ashley’s music, you can hear the Chesapeake Bay. Growing up on the water in Maryland, her childhood soundtrack was a weird, wonderful mix of her parents’ favorites:

  • The chill vibes of Bob Marley and UB40.

  • The storytelling of Tim McGraw and Shania Twain.

  • The “sunset on a boat” energy of Jimmy Buffett.

It’s that “coastal-meets-country” DNA that makes “Useless” feel so grounded. It’s polished enough for the radio but honest enough to make you feel like you’re sitting on a dock with a friend who’s finally telling you the truth.

“I’ve never been great at expressing how I feel out loud,” Ashley admits. “Writing songs is how I make sense of it all.”

Why “Useless” Needs to Be on Your Playlist

“Useless” isn’t just about a breakup; it’s about the messy middle part where you know you should let go, but you just… can’t.

It’s got that signature Ashley Kutcher “unmistakable honesty.” She doesn’t try to make the situation look pretty or empowered; she makes it real. In a world of over-produced pop, her return to storytelling-first songwriting feels like a breath of fresh air.

Stream “Useless” now—but maybe grab some tissues first.