[1] Following the release of Saint Cloud (2020), which posed "an obvious pivot" in sound to the singer, Crutchfield and her producer Brad Cook were unsure as to how to follow-up the record as due to a vast positive reception.

Tigers Blood features tales of "late-night fights with loved ones, friendships frayed beyond repair, and elegies for an idyllic past" that may have never existed.

"[11] Pitchfork awarded Tigers Blood a "Best New Album" designation, writing that Crutchfield's "dazzling, piercing songwriting is perfectly in tune with the band behind her.

"[14] Writing for The Line of Best Fit, John Amen concluded, "While Saint Cloud arguably represents the apex of Crutchfield's hook-savviness, Tigers Blood features flawlessly sculpted melodies as well as vocals that are more notably complex and lyrics that more thoroughly plumb the human condition.

With Tigers Blood, Crutchfield continues to perfect her songcraft and elevate the Americana genre – asserting a panoramic vision, radiating wisdom.