Disco de Michelle Branch: “Hotel Paper [France Bonus Tracks]”

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."

" 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:

I know some people are saying how "The Spirit Room" was better than "Hotel Paper", so I'd thought I'd get the CD to see for myself. I haven't listened to the whole thing yet, but the tracks I've listened to so far are great. (Tuesday Morning, Are You Happy Now, Find Your Way Back, Desperately, 'Til I Get Over You, One of These Days) The intro (which I found annoying at first) is even a bit interesting. You've got to remember that for the first album, Michelle Branch wrote the songs when she was about 14-16. She's changed since then and "Hotel Paper" shows. The tracks are not as "acoustic" as they were on "The Spirit Room" but they are still great. I'm listening to the CD as I write the review, so I'd listened to the whole thing by the time I'm done. This is the third album from Michelle Branch (counting her independent album "Broken Bracelet")

1.) Intro (2/5) - I can't really give the intro a 5 because it's not a song. It has an antiquey (is that a word?) feel to it. It's ok I guess.

2.) Are You Happy Now (4.5/5) - This song is pretty great, they did a good job by choosing this as the first single. She's a little rocking out on this song. There's electric guitars in it and I haven't really heard a Michelle Branch song with them in it since "Paper Pieces" (Broken Bracelet). "do you really have everything you want? you can't ever give something you ain't got."

3.) Find Your Way Back (4.5/5) - This is a potential next single. It's pretty catchy. That's all I have to say. "i used to get away with so much. now i can't get away. i even thought it was simple."

4.) Empty Handed (5/5) - Great song, I absolutely love the lyrics and the chords of the acoustic guitar. "i'm packing my bags because i don't wanna be the only one who's drowning in their misery."

5.) Tuesday Morning (5/5) - I love this song, I hope that it's the next single. "i remember stormy weather. the way the sky looks when it's cold.."

6.) One of These Days (4.5/5) - I actually forgot how this song sounds, lol. I liked it when I heard it but I can't remember it. Oh well, it should be ok. "i didn't notice but i didn't care. i tried being honest but that lead me nowhere."

7.) Love Me Like That (3/5)- Not really my style. It sounds too country. "how can you turn and walk away pretending everything's okay. how can you turn your back?"

8.) Desperately (5/5) - It's very catchy. I like it. I like the backing vocals that Jessica Harp does, even though it sounds like Michelle Branch a little bit. "oh why can't i ignore it? i keep giving in but i should know better."

9.) Breathe (4.5/5) - It's very poppy and catchy. This one I kinda like. It's interesting. "well it's all so overrated. in not saying how you feel. so you end up watching chances fade."

10.) Where Are You Now? (3/5) - This song is too poppy for me. "i'm trying to get by with never knowing at all. what is the chance of finding you out there."

11.) Hotel Paper (4.5/5) - This is a nice song. I love the guitars in it. "you turned out to be more than i bargained for and i can tell that you need to get away."

12.) 'Til I Get Over You (4/5) - It reminds me alot of some other song I heard before (I don't know what song) and this song called "I'd Rather Be In Love" off of "Broken Bracelet". "you got me like a loaded gun. golden sun and sky so blue."

13.) It's You (6/5) - I like this song so much. It's soft spoken lyrics are great. I love the guitar in it. Michelle did such a great job on it that I had to give it 6 out of 5. "if tomorrow never comes, i would want just one wish to kiss your quiet mouth."

She alone could redeem the integrity of a waning pop music industry. Her music is reminiscent of a bygone era that was driven by true musicians. She's the answer to all those current non-musician "entertainers" who must rely on bawdy looks, outrageous attitudes and trends to promote their CD. Do your hard earned money some justice...buy the CD. This is not the kind of CD that has one hit song and 12 dead song fillers. All thirteen of her songs in this CD are real hits. Superb, thanks Michelle for you generosity and incredible talent...it's the one sure sign that lets us know how dedicated you are to your fans.

I never bought Michelle Branch's first cd...I really enjoyed all of the songs she released, but they were all (with the exception of Goodbye to You) too bubble-gummy sweet. After I heard Are You Happy Now? on the radio, I knew Michelle's new cd would be different. The music definitely had more of an "edge" to it, and her lyrics had really grown up. After buying this cd, I can say say that I am very pleasantly surprised. The cd is everything Are You Happy Now? promised it would be...the whole thing is a goldmine, a true modern classic.

Are You Happy Now?--The first single, and a great kick-start for the rest of the album...

Find Your Way Back--"I used to get away with so much, now I can't get away..." A "pop" song, but with incredibly deep and meaningful lyrics.

Empty Handed--starts out with an acoustic guitar, and builds to a powerful song with a string orchestra...almost has a slight country feel with a great edge.

Tuesday Morning--An absolute gem. I nearly cried when I listened to this for the first time...poetry. A grown-up Goodbye to You.

One of These Days--A pretty song with a piano and keyboards...full of questions to herself.

Love Me Like That--Great guitar (sounds like Nickelcreek). A rock/country song with Sheryl Crow.

Desperately--A lazy, acoustic feel with a definite attitude. A great little song.

Breathe--One of the best songs on the entire album...and the whole album is so good! LOVE the chorus. A true pop song, but with that special Michelle touch. I adore the lyrics. "So I whisper in the dark, hoping you'll hear me...do you hear me? Everything is allright if I just breathe..."

Where Are You Now?--A wonderful song for anyone who is still looking for their special someone..."It's easier for me to be alone, but there's still a piece of me that feels so empty. I've been all over the world, I've seen a million different places...but through the crowds and all the faces, I'm still out there looking for you. Where are you now? I'm trying to get by with never knowing at all..."

Hotel Paper--The title track, and a wonderful song...improves upon multiple listens...very meaningful lyrics.

'Til I get Over You--An incredibly beautiful song, made very unique by the French lyrics in the chorus...incredible song.

It's You--A lovely little acoustic song, about what she would do if tomorrow never comes...beautiful song about being in love..."the light changes when your in the room..."

Well, I hope this gave a good overview of an exquisite cd...congratulations to Michelle, for not only avoiding a sophomore slump, but creating a masterpiece of emotions...