When music reviewers get an assignment it always involves great risk. Okay, not really, but you never know what's around the next corner. It's hit or miss and to keep your sanity, you forget the misses. Conversely, the hits stay with you - as when listening to Katie Marie, a singer-writer from the UK. Fresh and very approachable, the music is welcome sound to weary ears.

With an emotive voice that compliments the writing, Katie Marie produces a sound that is simultaneously smooth and substantive. If it's a rainy day, the music would make a fine friend to visit with while sipping coffee and pondering things great and small. Her music consists of fine blendings of soft rock and folk-rock for the most part, with the artist accompanying herself on guitar. The instrumental work is excellently done, and adds to the intimate impact. Nice acoustic guitar stylings - it and other instruments never overpower the music's thoughtfulness. Good work by her compadres.

The tunes have a mellowness that wears easy. "Alive" is an interesting track with gentle acoustic guitar and a country-tinged vocal slant. "All I Need" is a wonderful song: simple in arrangement, but strong.

"Wears Me Out" is probably by far the most pop sounding of the lot and an excellent outing it is of the genre. Warm guitar, understated piano and a world-weary vocal create a great feel in this imminently airplayable tune.

There is a depth and quality here that is not too common in contemporary music. The label "acoustic folk" seems the most convenient to tag on, but that's not entirely correct. I might opt for "smooth pop" instead. By any name, it's worth a listen. I look forward to Katie Marie doing well and to continue producing music that makes a reviewer's day.

This starts off beautifully with a wonderful track called Have My Love. Very moving, very beautiful.

It’s followed by a jazz song, then goes into a more mainstream theme before ending on a jazzy note.

Overall, this is a wonderful EP. Katie Marie has a beautiful, sexy voice and fabulous songs. She certainly deserves to be better known. Katie also plays guitar bass and drums. This British girl is quite talented.

I hope to hear a lot more from her in the future. Talent abounds on this recording and it should not be wasted, but expanded upon with future albums.

The style is good Brit-pop/jazz with a pop/rock atmospheric edge. There is some nice guitar and piano work here and Katie's voice is well suited to the musical style.

"Mirror" has a toe-tapping loungy jazzy feel. "Star" is mesmerizing.

I look forward to hearing a full length CD from Katie Marie.