2. Wanting Out - This song is only avaible on this single. It really seems that although Michelle can write an awesome rock song, she still will write a nice pop song. But although it is pop, it doesn seem much better then the pop on The Spirit Room.

3. Hotal Paper (Live) - Not only do I love the studio version of this song, but this live version rocks. It's from her Sessions@AOL preformance, and it really shows off her vocals ability. Not to mention it's really awesome because it's just her and her guitar! Go Michelle!


Edgier and sounding great   October 1, 2003
Patrick L. Randall (Silver Spring, MD)
5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Given that Michelle Branch was only 15 years old when she started writing the songs for her smash debut album "Spirit Room", it should come as little surprise that most of the songs on that album we of a softer and friendlier design. They were soft enough for some of the more cynical critics to dismiss her as nothing more than another puffy, fluffy, teen, bubble-gum pop star. However, if you looked closer at the songs like "All You Wanted" and "Goodbye to You", you could see small glimmers of potential for edgier, more emotional music.

"Are You Happy Now?", Branch's first single off her sophomore album, "Hotel Paper", delivers on that promise. "Are You Happy Now?" seems to be dealing with the wreckage of a broken relationship and carries the powerful emotions that go with it. The music, itself, has a more haunting sound to it while Michelle's powerful vocals (her strongest vocal performance to date) convey the raw emotion of hurt, bitterness, and anger. It will be intriguing to see what other emotional journeys the rest of "Hotel Paper" contains. "Are You Happy Now?" is as good an indication as any that Michelle Branch has the musical talent and emotional reservoir to be a prettier, and slightly less bitter, Alanis Morrisette. "Are You Happy Now?" Well, you should be with this song.


Michelle Branch's new edge rocks; yes I'm happy now!   July 6, 2003
David Anderson (St. Cloud, MN)
4 out of 5 found this review helpful

I've loved this song since the second I first heard it on the radio. I must krank up the car radio when it comes on.

"Are You Happy Now?" proves that she is evolving as an artist. Branch experiments with new sounds and edges. It's got interesting twists and turns, especially the middle of the second verse. She starts it edgy and heartfelt, then gains more edge. Through this, she never loses her tone, which is a rarity for rock songs.

"Are You Happy Now?" is a for-sure Grammy nominee for 2003. Dissing this song would be just like had they dissed Bruce Springsteen for "The Rising".


Excellent single worthit for the "Wanting Out" B-Side...   January 12, 2009
PlanetHell (USA unfortunately)
This single is worth purchasing alone for the B-Side "Wanting Out," which is not available anywhere but this single.
The lead track "Are You Happy Now," is an edgier sounding song from Michelle Branch that took a really good direction for her.
Of her three albums (two solos, Wreckers Album), I would say Hotel Paper was by far the best, by a long shot.

The song "Wanting Out" is no exception. The live version of "Hotel Paper" is also really good, showing off how good Michelle Branch's vocals are.

Five stars, worth buying.


4.25 stars.   December 4, 2007
Adrian the Complex Lonely (USA)
There is no title. I thought it was appropriate.

Anyway, this song is it. It was it then ('03). I was even obsessed with the darker video, and the anger and all of the yellow surroundings, aglow.

Cover Art: A-
Vocals: C
Songwriting: B-
Production: B
Length: A-
Overall: B

4.25 stars.