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 ;-)


Once again, an amazing album   June 28, 2003
Kelly Asmus (Kalamazoo, MI)
25 out of 29 found this review helpful

Personally, I thought that Michelle's first album "The Spirit Room" would be so hard to top. Since I got the cd, I've been listeneing to it nonstop. However, Michelle's second cd, "Hotel Paper" topped "The Spirit Room" by about 10 times. Her first single "Are You Happy Now?" is only a small taste of what she can do musically. Michelle is an amazing songwriter, as well as a great guitarist. Her voice is fresh and original, and it shows in her lyrics and her voice that she is truly singing from her heart. Her lyrics relate to real-life situations, typically for teenagers going through break ups or heartaches. The tracks on this album range from poppy to almost jazzy. Each is original and new, bringing style and class to her music.
"Love Me Like That" with Sheryl Crow is probably my personal favorite track on the album, mostly because it is one of the more upbeat songs. Michelle's voice blends seamlessly with Sheryl's, and Sheryl Crow's voice fits the song perfectly. I would definitely like to hear another collaboration with the 2 of them in the future. I am very impressed with this song.
"Desperately," my second favorite, starts slow but picks up as the song goes on. When I first heard this song, I decided I didnt like it, but it surprisingly grew on me.
"It's You" is Michelle's version of a slow ballad. It's beautiful, and has a quality that sets it apart from the rest of the tracks. The only complaint I have is that I wish this song was longer.
"Empty Handed" would be the song that I would pick to be her next single. It's powerful lyrics remind me of someone leaving from a breakup, and not looking back at how it was "supposed to be."
I also love the guitar on "Tuesday Morning." It is a beautiful and sweet song.
If you are into strong women who write their own songs, buy this album! I know that I was very impressed. Its true that you must not like music very much if you dont like Michelle Branch's "Hotel Room."


Michelle Branch continues to impress!   August 18, 2003
R. Kolb (Texas)
13 out of 14 found this review helpful

I admit, when I first bought this album, I didn't know what to expect. After listening to all of it, it look some time to get used to the "new" sound, as this album is not as happy, poppy, and bright as her debut, The Spirit Room. Eventually all the songs grew on me in a big way. At first it seems like all the songs "sound alike" but it's that way with all new albums. The album requires multiple listenings for each song to come into its own. My favorites on this CD are pretty much all the songs. The one song that took the longest to grow on me is "Til I Get Over You." The French backing vocals weirded me out for awhile until I got used to them. I like this album so much that I have two copies: The American release and the import with the 2 extra tracks (Everywhere, Game of Love). I'm really impressed with her songwriting on this album. Seven of the album's 12 tracks were written solo by Michelle. The others had co-writers. She's a refreshing artist out there today who DOESN'T sell her body, but her music instead. I'm forever a fan of Michelle Branch, and look forward to her third album, whenever it may come out.


"Hotel Paper" More Like " Breathe"   July 25, 2003
JJ (Houston, TX)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

" 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


Has a permanent place in my stereo...   July 10, 2003
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

As my title suggests, this CD has remained in my stereo since the day I bought it. Its a great CD for many reasons. Firstly, I can respect Michelle Branch as a musician and as a person. She not only writes all her songs and plays the guitar, but she's a nice person. She's one of my favorite artists.
But this is also an amazing album. Every song is well written and recorded and nice to listen to. This CD is perfect for an early morning, an afternoon or a nighttime listen. This is one of the reasons its great. Its ALWAYS a great listen.

Intro: Unrated
Are You Happy Now?: A
Finding My Way Back: B+
Empty Handed: A
Tuesday Morning: A+
One of these Days: A+
Love Me Like That: A+
Desperately: A
Breathe: A++
Where Are You Now?: A++
Hotel Paper: A+
Til I Get Over You: A++++
Its You: A

But this CD! You won't be disappointed!