Kim Richey is a subtle songwriter who writes songs of great emotional heft. Her country-influenced folk and rock fall neatly into the alt-country box where she could become lost. The Ohio-bred performer has written for Trisha Yearwood, Mary Chapin Carpenter and James Morrison, among others. However, Richey has the favor returned, as several co-writers are on hand to help draw attention and offer their objective expertise. Names such as Boo Hewerdine, Mark Olson (Jayhawks) and Mando Saenz surely bring more attention. They also provide a valuable soundboard to Richey’s introspection, which is at its most intense on 2010’s Wreck Your Wheels. Years of touring and building her audience have made love less of a sure thing and Richey’s songs have a less-than-positive outlook on matters of the heart. “Careful How You Go” is a stirring ballad. “Leaving 49,” co-written with Beth Rowley, is a sweet country-pop number. “For a While” shows off the intimacy of her road band, crafting the mood live in the studio and letting Richey turn towards R&B.