After her 2006 offering, Weightless, with its musical gems like “Charlie Chaplin” and “Sweeter Than This” it seemed that Nashville-based singer-songwriter Katie Herzig’s career could only go up. In this third solo release from the former member of the band Newcomers Home, this promise seems to have been fulfilled. Herzig has come into her own as a songwriter with catchy, lyrical melodies like “Hologram” (inspired by Aaron Johnson) and “Forevermore” (based on a popular children’s song). “Sumatra” and the plaintive “I Hurt Too” show a surprising depth in such a young musician, justifying the 2007 Grammy nomination for her song “Heaven’s My Home”. Aaron Johnson, David Welsh (of the Fray), Kim Richey, Carson Cooley, and Gary Paczosa add their musical talents to the album. With the exception of the lackluster lyrics on “Take it to the Country” this album is worth every penny. The price that fans may pay depends on their own whims: Herzig has followed in the steps of such artists as Radiohead by allowing her fans to download Apple Tree and set the price themselves.
Rating: 4 / 5