however. . .i've listened to each song on the album a few times, and i must say i'm pleasantly surprised. michelle writes (yes, she actually had a hand in each song on the album) with as much honesty and awkwardness as any teenage girl feels every day. the songs are quite relateable, and she doesn't seem to be some supergirl who i could never aspire to be or meet or know. she's just a regular girl, singing regular songs about regular feelings. i'd say this is maverick records' attempt to corner the regular girl market. anyhow, here's a bit of each song, in detail.

track 1 - "everywhere": it's no surprise that this was the first single from spirit room. pop radio will love it for it's incredibly catchy hooks, and alternative radio will give it a few spins because it's a girl with a guitar. everyone wins. this is a great song, though, and michelle's unique voice packs a ton of emotion.

track 2 - "you get me": now, here's the awkward teen girl song i alluded to before. if ever there was a song for all the girls of the world who were neither popular nor confident, this is it. these lyrics are amazing ('so i'm a little left of center/i'm a little out of tune/some say i'm paranormal/so i just bend their spoon/who wants to be ordinary/in a crazy, mixed-up world/i don't care what they're sayin'/as long as i'm your girl'), as though she's accepted her uniqueness and is embracing it, rather than hiding from it. someone should put this on the soundtrack to gilmore girls. o wait. . .i think "everywhere" beat this song to it.

track 3 - "all you wanted": another well-crafted song for teenage outcast girls to relate to. the lyrics make me think of a girl trying to save a boy from the popular crowd, who are so empty and shallow inside, because she knows he is more than that. i'm relating already!

track 4 - "you set me free": yeah, teenage girls can be relateable, but we can be major saps, too. ('you're in my heart/the only light that shines/there in the dark') despite lyrical mishaps, michelle's vocal ability saves this song.

track 5 - "something to sleep to": this song is actually different than most others i've heard lately. i'm sure she's not inventing some kind of musical style here, but at least it's a change of pace from songs that rhyme 'love' with 'above'. michelle's voice is haunting and melodic at the same time, and her confusion makes this more of a story than a song.

track 6 - "here with me": the beats in this song are more hip-hop than rock, which gives it an interesting feel. i'd like this to be the next single. the chorus is sing-a-long-able. ('i know you had to go away/i died just a little, and i feel it now/you're the one i need/i believe i would cry just a little/just to have you back now/here with me/here with me')

track 7 - "sweet misery": i think this song was taken from michelle's independant release, broken bracelet. the original version was a bit better, though less polished, in my opinion. this heavily produced track falls a bit flat because it removed the guitar, angst feel from the original. the lyrics are still really pretty.

track 8 - "if only she knew": this song is absolutely one of my favorites. everything falls into place here, with the guitars, vocals, lyrics. . .everything. i'm sure that any fan of today's pop divas would change their tune after hearing this one.

track 9 - "i'd rather be in love": wouldn't we all? michelle is wise beyond her eighteen years, and this song proves it. ('why are we afraid to be in love?/to be loved/i can't explain it/i know it's tough to be loved')

track 10 - "goodbye to you": this is definitely another girly, coming-of-age song. it seems to be about breaking up with a first love, and michelle managed to capture all the contrasting feelings that go along with that situation in this heartbreaker.

track 11 - "drop in the ocean": quite a mellow song; perfect to close the album.

i hope that michelle branch is powerful enough to make a mark in the pop music industry. it's about time teenage girls have someone besides britney to idolize. i'm not saying that britney spears isn't fun in her own right, but change is necessary to human existence. i'm tired of being spoken down to, and feeling as though i have to be a sexual object to be important. let's hope that michelle branch gets to enjoy the success she so deserves.


A near-perfect album from a talented newcomer   January 2, 2002
Sallia (USA)
44 out of 46 found this review helpful

Michelle Branch may be about the same age as many of the blonde dancers who have taken over the music scene of the past few years, but it would be wrong to compare her music to theirs. While Michelle and the blondes (is it just me or does that sound like the name of a '80s group?) may all be able to produce catchy, radio and MTV friendly songs, they really are as different as night and day. Michelle actually writes her own songs and uses real instruments. Her music is more like the music performed by people like Fiona Apple or Alanis Morrisette than the singers who are her age.

I'm feeling lazy today, so instead of really writing a good review, I'm just going to list the songs and make comments about them.

Everywhere- 5/5 Everyone reading this has probably heard this song a million times by now, but it's still great. It's catchy and upbeat without really being pop.

You Get Me- 4/5 I like this song, but it can get on my nerves sometimes. It's good, but not one of my favorites.

All You Wanted- 6/5 No, it isn't a mistake that I gave this a 6. I really love this song. It's my favorite on the CD, by the way..

You Set Me Free- 4/5 This could have been a mediocre song, but it's still good. It reminds me of something that Jewel would sing.

Something to Sleep To- 3.5/5 I would like to love this song. I really would. However, I just can't. It's a pretty decent song, but it's a little too generic in my opinion.

Here With Me- 4/5 This isn't one of my favorite songs on the album, but I still like it. It's nice and flows well.

Sweet Misery- 5/5 Here's another one of my favorite songs. It's catchy and will stay in your head for hours..

If She Only Knew- 3/5 This is one of those songs that I probably should like. Most people I've talked to say this is their favorite song by Michelle Branch, but I don't really like it. I think it's well-done, but not my thing.

I'd Rather Be In Love- 4/5 Another good song. I have a habit of mixing it up with 'Here With Me' though...

Goodbye to You- 4.5/5 An almost perfect song. It's really sweet (in a sort of sad way), but after hearing the 'live' version on 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' I have decided it sounds a lot better live.

Drop In The Ocean- 5/5 This one's my second favorite song. It's pretty different from the others and her voice sounds really cool in it.


Nice to see artists like Michelle hit the scene   March 17, 2002
Buddhaful (MI)
39 out of 41 found this review helpful

Michelle Branch is in a league of her own in the pop world. Most pop artists can't spell "originality" but Michelle Branch plays guitar, writes her own songs, etc. You can really feel most her music, she has a strong voice and even stronger lyrics. You'll be loving this CD from beginning to end. Now to the rest of the review:

1. Everywhere - Great first single, the chorus has powerful vocals on it by Michelle. One of the best on the CD. 10/10

2. You Get Me - This one is my friend's favorite on the CD. It is pretty good. 8/10

3. All You Wanted - My favorite on the CD. Between track 1 and this one, the CD is worth you money

4. You Set Me Free - This song is okay but it seems like this one is more of a filler than single material - 7/10

5. Something To Sleep To - A little weak but not unlistenable. Maybe that's just my opinion. 6.5/10

6. Here With Me - A good song but doesn't pick up till the chorus. 7.5/10

7. Sweet Misery - This song doesn't do it for me, I suggest skipping this one. 5.5/10

8. If Only She Knew - This song is really great, I hope it becomes a single. My only problem of giving it a 10 is that it sounds a little too much like track 2. 9/10

9. I'd Rather Be In Love - This song has got the whole package, You'll enjoy this one. 8.5/10

10. Goodbye to You - A sadder song that kind of downbeat, I still like it. 8/10

11. Drop In The Ocean - A slower ballad to end out the CD. 8/10

Overall this CD will be lasting for a long while. Michelle has got that special something that I can't resist. She's got a very special talent that will get her places. You will like Michelle Branch if you like: Vanessa Carlton, Alanis Morsette, Jewel, or Lifehouse. Pick up the CD and listen to one of the best new artists out today.


Michelle has a beautiful, serene, driving voice.....   November 24, 2002
34 out of 36 found this review helpful

This CD is absolutely fantastic! It's always in playing in my stereo, and is above all my most favorite CD in my collection. Michelle's voice is young, powerful, and rich, and though she might not be as popular as fellow artists Jennifer Lopez or Ashanti, her vocals are definitely equal, if not better, than both. Her range is awe-inspiring and amazingly strong for an eighteen-year-old, and her nice sound is something that music has been missing for awhile now.

1. Everywhere -- We all know this song. The song is thoughtful and instantly likeable, and it was an excellent choice for a debut. I'm glad Michelle picked this as her introduction to the music world. The melodies are beautiful.

2. You Get Me -- This is probably my least favorite track of the CD. Michelle sounds pretty and the song has interesting lyrics, but I'm just not that into it.

3. All You Wanted -- Arguably the best track on this album. We all know it, it was on the radio for months. It's catchy, beautiful, and Michelle's vocals are amazing.

4. You Set Me Free -- This song caught my attention the first time I played it. The rhythm and beat are instantly catchy, but the lyrics are rather typical. I still like the song, but it got old after awhile.

5. Something to Sleep To -- Some like it, some hate it. Personally, I love this track. But it takes some getting used to, in my opinion. The main melody is slightly different from most of the other ones. I also think the lyrics stand out among the best on the album, but it took me awhile to like the rhythm.

6. Here With Me -- This track moves well and sounds good with Michelle's vocals, but I don't think it's one of the best ones on the CD.

7. Sweet Misery -- Now this is an awesome song. The catchy beats and the lyrics stayed in my head for HOURS. The lyrics weren't too original, but Michelle's driving vocals on this track along with the beautiful melody make up for it.

8. If Only She Knew -- Everyone likes this track. It's definitely one of the best ones on this collection; the "triangle" story that's being sung is also very interesting and original.

9. I'd Rather Be in Love -- Like "Something to Sleep To," it took awhile for me to get used to this song. The melody and rhythms took time for me to like them, but now I think the song is amazing. I loved her driving voice and the creative beat.

10. Goodbye to You -- You can definitely tell that Michelle put a lot of power behind this one. This is the most beautifully sung track on the entire CD. I love this version, but frankly, I don't care much for the version that's being played on the radio. I feel this one is much better, highlighting Michelle's vocals more, and personally feel that they should've released this one over the new version.

11. Drop in the Ocean -- I didn't like this one at first, but I do now. It's a lot different than the other tracks on the CD, but that's what makes it unique. I'm glad they finished with this track. I really liked the slow, sway rhythm used in the beginning along with Michelle's voice.

Overall, this CD definitely adds to my collection. Michelle's off to a great start in my opinion, and I'm highly impressed with the amount of talent she has at such a young age (take note that she often composes and writes the lyrics to her own music). I can't wait to hear more from this new artist. All in all, I highly recommend this buy. You won't regret it.


Simply Wonderful...   December 31, 2002
Job (Folsom, CA. USA)
18 out of 19 found this review helpful

Michelle Branch's "The Spirit Room" is 'everything' its first single led it up to be...no pun intended. A beautiful mixture of pop/rock/alternative/ballad/etc has created one of the best albums in awhile, and a personal favorite of mine. Equally, it has satisfactory replay value, and only gets better with each play. Lyrically it on point and an in-depth look into the life and thought process of Michelle Branch. Here is a track-by-track breakdown of the album...

1. Everywhere - The smashing lead single. You love it, you can't get it out of your head, and after listening to the album - you still feel the same. 10/10

2. You Get Me - A strong sophmore song for the album. Catchy chorus and lyrically it is very well written. "Some say I'm paranormal, so I just bend their spoon." 9/10

3. All You Wanted - This song is all you want. Very well written, very well performed. Very complete and very strong. 10/10

4. You Set Me Free - A thank you to a past and/or current lover to Michelle. Lyrics depict her emotion perfectly. 9/10

5. Something To Sleep To - My least favorite song on the CD. Not saying it's bad, but it is not up to par with the rest. The only "bad" song on the CD, despite the fact that I can still listen to it when playing the CD through. 7/10

6. Here With Me - Sounds very different at first. More of an up-beat pop vibe. By the time the chorus kicks in, you know you are listening to a classic. Personally, one of my favorite songs of the CD. 10/10

7. Sweet Misery - Some don't like this song as much as some others, but I have no issues with it. Its a good song. 8/10

8. If Only She Knew - This needs to be a single. It's great - plain and simple. Very catchy, and very well done. 10/10

9. I'd Rather Be In Love - The trend continues. Great lyrics yet again, and a very well delivered performance. 10/10

10. Goodbye To You - The first of the two actual slow songs on the CD. As the title suggests, the song is about a goodbye to a lost lover. Beautiful. 10/10

11. Drop In The Ocean - The 2nd of the slow songs, and the final song on the CD. Simple amazing. This ballad is a masterpiece. The imagery caused by the lyrics is unmatchable. Her voice is of a goddess. A wonderful end to the CD.

Without a doubt, no collection is complete without Michelle Branch's "The Spirit Room." If you don't own it, buy it without hesitation - you won't be disappointed.