What makes The Blade by Ashley Monroe notable?

'The Blade' received widespread acclaim from critics and debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying Monroe's place in the country genre. The album's songs were noted for their emotional depth and authenticity, leading to nominations at various award shows, including the Country Music Association Awards and the Grammy Awards. Released on January 1, 2015, 'The Blade' is Ashley Monroe's second studio album, following her critically acclaimed debut 'Like a Rose' in 2013. At this point in her career, she had gained recognition as a member of the Pistol Annies and was establishing herself as a solo artist with a distinct voice in contemporary country music.