Hotel Paper - Michelle Branch

Its funny how our perceptions of and feelings towards things can alter over time. Some things immediately appeal, but looking back can make them seem less attractive. Others don't grab you straight away, but it later occurs to you that it is really rather good after all. Musically speaking, it's happened to me before. When I bought Matchbox Twenty's first two albums at the same time, I first thought the second was the better of the two. Later, after repeated plays of both, I realised I preferred the first. The same is true of Michelle Branch. I wasn't hugely impressed with either album when I first bought them, rating "The Spirit ...  Read the complete review

A couple years back, when the infectious strains of Everywhere were, well, everywhere on the radio, I was just starting to get hooked on Michelle Branch. Although at the time, I just dismissed her as the average bit of one-hit-wonder pop and forgot about her. Brief as it may have been. Not too long after, I?d be caught up in Goodbye To You and All You Wanted eventually caving in to purchase The Spirit Room, from which discovered the following: ? Her voice was a tad whiny, but she could still sing her heart out ? Not much aside from the singles caught my eye, I?d Rather Be In Love being a huge exception. ? I liked the pretty, reversible cover. ? ...  Read the complete review

THE QUICK REVIEW (For those in a hurry) Michelle Branch made a little impact on these shores with her first major release, "The Spirit Room", released in the UK last year. It spawned a moderate hit with the brilliant "All You Wanted". "Hotel Paper" is the second major release from the delightful Michelle, and shows a little more maturity from the youngster whilst still maintaining the youthful energy and effervescence of her debut. The opening track and first single from the album "Are You Happy Now" grips you instantly, a vibrant rocky number with a delicious twist of bitterness. No doubt Michelle will ...  Read the complete review