At a time when so many country hits seem to say little beyond "Let's Mention Beer, " Ms. Monroe's unflinching, adult scrutiny of the consequences of the situations she describes in frank, self-explanatory new titles such as "Two Weeks Late" and "The Morning After" may be their most gutsy aspect.

WSJ: Ashley Monroe | Like a Rose | Pistol Annies | Vince Gill | The Unflinching Ashley Monroe | By Barry Mazor