Michelle Branch

Hotel Paper

Michelle Branch defines a new breed of pop star, the Girl Who Likes to Sing. Branch, Vanessa Carlton, Norah Jones -- none of them may be a genius in the songwriting department or a virtuoso on her instrument. But when you listen to them sing, you notice that they really like to sing. They're an inevitable development in teen pop, building on the archetype of the Girl Who Needs to Perform, the driven Britney-Christina pro who conveys a desperate craving for attention. The Girls Who Like to Sing are pros in a different way, trying hard to project maturity and sincerity. But the most likable thing about them is that whether or not they're any good at what they do, they sure enjoy getting to do it.

Michelle Branch sings, plays guitar and writes her own songs, sometimes solo, which doesn't necessarily mean jack shizznit in terms of quality -- Neil Sedaka wrote his own songs, Dusty Springfield didn't, but which one are people still listening to? In her songs, Branch doesn't show the wisecracking Led Zeppelin fan she reveals in interviews; she isn't a better-than-average songwriter, not yet. She has written some great ones, such as "Everywhere." But she also has to take the rap for her Santana duet, "Game of Love," one of the most excruciating hits of the past few years -- that "A little bit of this/A little bit of that" chorus is God's way of letting you know you've stayed at the mall too long and it's time for some fresh air.

Hotel Paper isn't a big advance -- more like a holding pattern. The title song is the best thing here, and even if it's the ultimate singer-songwriter cliche -- a song about how lonely it is to spend all your time on the road -- it takes a piece of your heart anyway. But in the course of the album, it's hard not to notice that all the songs sound the same, and for that matter, they all sound the same as that Avril Lavigne song about the damn cold night, even if Michelle technically got there before Avril. (So why didn't she bring Avril a sweater? It's damn cold out there!) Branch can't be blamed for the hammy mainstream-rock production, but since every song plods to the same midtempo rhythm, nothing stands out -- even the Sheryl Crow duet "Love Me Like That" fades into the background.

The lyrics are your basic second-album material: the mysteries of bus stations, packed bags, driving in the rain and long-distance romance. Her wit doesn't appear. Hotel Paper shows that Michelle Branch is determined to mature and that she has the talent to become the long-term pop pro she clearly wants to be -- it's just a matter of working on her craft until it matches her drive.

Rob Sheffield (RS 926, July 10, 2003)

The Spirit Room
Rating from this site: A+++

Track 1: Everywhere
This is Michelle's first single off of the debut album. In my opinion, its one of the strongest songs on here. The lyrics are definitely powerful and right away you know this chick is here to stay.

Track 2: You Get Me
This song has a bit of a different sound. Originally I said that Abra Moore wrote the song. Mr Branch himself corrected me on that one. The song was written by Shelly Pieken and John Shanks not Abra Moore. Abra sang the demo and got writing credits for it. John played it for Michelle and she said she liked it but it needed work. Just then the phone rang and it was Shelly calling from London. It was 4 AM in London and she said she felt like she had to call! Without a doubt, it turned into a great song and ended up on the album. Another great one.

Track 3: All You Wanted
This is one of my all time favorites on The Spirit Room. It just gives me chills when I hear the beginning of the song. Its strong and has lyrics that are more insightful than songs from great artists like Paul Mccartney. "I'm sinking slowly, So hurry hold me..Your hand is all I have to keep me hanging on." Whats more to say? Makes anyone cringe with joy.

Track 4: You Set Me Free
Im really proud of this track. It shows off her writing skills and her unique technique. In a way, its almost like you are in a story and she is narrating a specific chapter in her life or someone elses. It starts off really smooth then goes into a rocky chorus filled with twists and turns. Ah... you gotta love it.

Track 5: Something to Sleep To
This song was a bit weird to listen to at first. It didn't sound like her style, which was actually a good thing because it shows shes up for a ton of different genres of music. It starts off like an old record then goes into this amazing chorus, along with powerful bridges and killer guitar riffs. Another narration from a story. I definitely like the lyrics. Its basically about a guy who is scared that she'll leave him. One rocky relationship...

Track 6: Here With Me
Another eery one. It has some weird instruments in it and I love it. The lyrics are the best part of the song, along with Michelle's edgy voice. "It's been a long, long time since I looked into the mirror. I guess that I was blind, now my reflection's getting clearer." Could the lyrics get any better? Move over Madonna and Melissa Ethridge: Michelle isn't going anywhere.

Track 7: Sweet Misery
This song was also on Broken Bracelet, Michelle's indie record which came out in 2000. I loved the acoustic version but love the album version even more. The sound is well.... fresh air from the bubblegum pop on the airwaves. "I was blind, but oh how you could see." She sings about everyday relationships with loads of sweet misery in the air. Sounds corny to say this, but its a song that almost gets you in tears. It makes me want to have a guy like that around.

Track 8: If Only She Knew
Ah, another song from Broken Bracelet. This was my favorite song on her indie album. When I heard it on the c.d., I definitely knew it was "If Only She Knew" but it was completly different. They added some electric guitar, better drum beats, and a whole lot of new lyrics, including some new chorus lines. Her voice is a lot stronger in this version, and again, a really good story that ends up to be a great tune.

Track 9: I'd Rather Be in Love
My favorite song on the entire album! "I cannot help it,I couldn't stop it if I tried. The same old heartbeat fills the emptiness I have inside." Shes trying to tell the listener, that to see is to believe. Shes in love, or so she is in the song. She wants him to know that when shes with him, she feel whole. She'd rather be in love with him than anyone else. Its a catchy love song that has some great vocals that almost create a different genre of music.

Track 10: Goodbye To You
Another song from Broken Bracelet. I originally thought there wouldn't be any piano in this song, just acoustic guitar like the original. Boy was I wrong. It completely did a 360 and changed the background music. With piano, guitar, repeated "doo-doots", a unique blend of music and words. Its my favorite song lyrically. "Tears form behind my eyes, but I do not cry." "...I've been searching deep down in my soul. Words that I'm hearing are starting to get old." One things for sure, tears from behind MY eyes when I hear this song.

Track 11: Drop in the Ocean
I still don't know what appeals to me when I hear this song. Its probably the most unique on the album. Very slow and full, with great vocals. Then it starts to speed up. I guess its the "special" music in the background or maybe just the wholeness of Michelle's voice. Its a pretty good song. Not one of my complete favorites, but a good song to listen to when you need some cheering up.

*Conclusion*
The albums full of amazing guitar riffs, awesome vocals, and uplifting lyrics. What more can you ask for in an album? This is probably one of the best c.d's I have ever heard in my 16 years of life. Sorry Whitney, Aerosmith, Hanson....this chick has an amazing c.d. With more music like these 11 songs, theres no doubt that Michelle will take music to a different level. Maybe even to a different audience. Well done, Michelle. I give you an A++++.