The Blade
Ashley Monroe · 2015
46 min · 13 tracks · country music
A haunting blend of traditional country sounds and contemporary storytelling, infused with emotional depth and authenticity.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
I Buried Your Love Alive — This track stands out for its compelling narrative about heartbreak and loss, showcasing Monroe's ability to convey deep emotions through vivid imagery.
-
→
The Blade — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of vulnerability and resilience, featuring poignant lyrics that resonate with listeners facing personal struggles.
-
→
If Love Was Fair — With its relatable lyrics about unrequited love, this song highlights Monroe's skill in blending traditional country melodies with modern sensibilities.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends traditional and contemporary country sounds with strong storytelling, showcasing Monroe's growth as an artist.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a steady mid-tempo beat with prominent acoustic instrumentation, while the fourth track introduces a slower, more reflective pace.
- Several songs utilize a call-and-response vocal technique, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- poignant storytelling with depth
- emotional reflections on love
- uplifting anthems for resilience
- intimate moments of vulnerability
- for evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced, energetic songs
- seek purely upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2015, The Blade marked Ashley Monroe's second studio album following her debut, Like a Rose, in 2013. At this point in her career, Monroe was solidifying her identity as a solo artist after gaining attention as part of the Pistol Annies, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and performer.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Brandy Clark· Kacey Musgraves· Maggie Rogers
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
I Buried Your Love Alive
The verse captures the aftermath of a painful breakup, detailing how memories linger painfully long after a relationship ends.
By focusing on the haunting remnants of love rather than a clear resolution, this moment deepens the emotional complexity of the song.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 On to Something Good 3:49
- 2 I Buried Your Love Alive 3:15
- 3 Bombshell 3:17
- 4 Weight of the Load 4:00
- 5 The Blade 3:27
- 6 Winning Streak 3:11
- 7 From Time to Time 4:04
- 8 If Love Was Fair 3:50
- 9 Has Anybody Ever Told You 3:53
- 10 Dixie 3:27
- 11 If the Devil Don’t Want Me 3:40
- 12 Mayflowers 3:41
- 13 I’m Good at Leavin’ 3:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.