An incredible follow up to a great debut, Hotel Paper is not only one of the best albums of the year, it will also be the album we look back at in 20 years as the one that established Michelle Branch as one of the best singer-songwriters of her generation. There, I said it...It's stronger in every way than "The Spirit Room", especially vocally. Michelle has moved beyond her (endearing) vocal ticks of her first album, and is a MUCH more confident performer.
There are numerous songs that should get heavy rotation, including the duet with Sheryl Crow (though not my favorite on the album).
She's already been shown the respect she deserves when chosen to sing on the breezy "The Game Of Love", so the industry will definitely be behind her for years to come.
I could definitely imagine hanging out with her if she went to college when I did. She's a very down to earth, girl next door, and a lot of people can relate to her, from multiple generations -- another reason why she will definitely be popular for a very long time.
I just have to have a track by track review for this one:
1) "Intro" - not gonna rate it. It just serves as a bookend theme.
2) "Are You Happy Now" (10) - great first single, and great video to go along with it. It's quite apparent that she strongly feels what she's singing.
3) "Find Your Way Back" (10) - could definitely be a single, but probably won't be, because there is just so much to choose from, and several other songs are a bit more unique. Breezy, and most like the material from her debut.
4) "Empty Handed" (8) - Surprisingly addictive. Doesn't seem like it would draw you in at first, but just does.
5) "Tuesday Morning" (10) - Gives me the chills. A great pop song. Definitely deserves to be a single; most likely the third or fourth from the album. If so, it's one of those songs that you can never tire of, no matter how much they overplay it (similar to how "All You Wanted" sticks to you and never lets go).
6) "One Of These Days" (8) - The piano song. This one is different from the rest of the album. It's very sweet, and my daughter's favorite. It's basically four chords, but sometimes that's all you need.
7) "Love Me Like That" (8) - Sort of country at times, reminds me a bit of Fleetwood Mac at times (maybe there's a Sheryl Crow / Fleetwood Mac connection there). Don't let the very different feel throw you off -- it wraps a great chorus. Breezy, in the spirit of "The Game Of Love", and could definitely be a late summer single.
8) "Desperately" (7) - Decent song, but maybe my least favorite from the album. For some reason, many people list this as one of their favorites. Not very special, IMO.
9) "Breath" (10) - Great, great song. One of those I have to repeat play when playing the CD. This should definitely be the second or third single. Too bad the recording was tuned about a half a pitch off. I have to retune my guitar just to play along. Maybe my favorite from the album, but I have trouble deciding.
10) "Where Are You Now" (8) - Another one of those songs that start slowly, but works its way into your blood.
11) "Hotel Paper" (8) - Title track that will never get airplay. It's different from most of the album, and quite introspective. Really nice, with a swelling chorus.
12) "'Til I Get Over You" (10) - A very special song which really shows Michelle's maturing vocals. I would love to hear this played on the radio, but I seriously doubt it will ever get there.
13) "It's You" (8) - Pretty album closer, with the other theme bookend tacked onto the end.
This is a great album, and I highly recommend it! It's very rare for there to be five "10"s on an album. And when she wins a Grammy for this, this time around I'm sure she won't forget to thank her parents ;-)
" Hotel Paper" is a pretty good album by Michelle Branch. The first single " Are U Happy Now" is off the hook. Although some of the songs r just not up there like her first album " Spirit Room." Well enough said, here is my review of the songs.1. Intro- What was this? She should of spoken and said something instead. The circus thing is a little used already.
2. Are You Happy Now- This was a good choice for her first single. Nice vocals and chorus too. 5/5
3. Find Your Way Back- A lot of people say they don't like it, but I'm a fan of it. I think this should be one of her upcoming singles. 4.5/5
4. Empty Handed- WOW!!! This girl can write her own songs!! She sounds very good in this. Could work as a single too. 4.5/5
5. Tuesday Morning- I usually skip this song. Not really into it.3/5
6. One of These Days- I skip this too. And what's up with that clicking sound throughout the whole song? 2.5/5
7. Love Me Like That- Not a big fan of Sheryl Crow. This sounds too country-ish. I'm not feelin it!!! 2/5
8. Desperately- U may not enjoy this song when u hear it, but u might get used to it more. 3.5/5
9. Breathe- One word: AWSOME!!! Michelle has outdone herself. Who cares if it sounds like a Spirit Room song. U can listen to this song over and over again and u will never get tired of it! Might work as a second single. 5/5
10.Where Are You Now?- Ok song, the lyrics r worth to listen to. 4/5
11. Hotel Paper- I just wonder why Michelle chose this title track for her album. What does it got to do with her? 3/5
12. 'Til I Get Over You- Ok song. Same as #10. Nothing really. 3.5/5
13. It's You- Her vocals r outstanding. But what did the last half minute of the song have to do with it. It sounded more of like an outro. Did it meant to be that? 3.5/5
Overall I give this CD 4 stars because it has its ups and downs. You rock Michelle Branch. Keep doing ur thing!!!!
Top 3 songs:
1. Are You Happy Now
2. Breathe
3. Empty Handed