See You On the Moon (Bonus Track Version)

Tift Merritt is one of those especially talented young singer-songwriters who in another era would’ve been a natural superstar. Her vocal talents are immense. Her ability to convey emotion with the least amount of hyperbole makes each song sound like an intimate affair. Sure, a cover of Kenny Loggins’ “Danny’s Song,” popularized by both Loggins and Messina and Anne Murray in the ‘70s, is an easy way to draw attention — and the Emitt Rhodes cover of “Live Till You Die” shows her discerning taste — but nothing beats the simple heartbreak in the melody and the delivery of “The Things That Everybody Does.” “Six More Days of Rain” continues the forlorn gallop. Producer Tucker Martine keeps things simple and dry, knowing full well that a well-placed piano and a gentle pedal steel guitar assist from Greg Leisz is all Merritt needs to make the air change around her. Jim James of My Morning Jacket throws in a vocal on “Feel of the World” and horns, strings and keyboards occasionally layer the sound. But, really, all you need is Tift singing from her heart and you’re hooked.