Amazon.co.uk Review
"So I'm a little left of centre, I'm a little out of tune", sings Michelle Branch on
The Spirit Room's second number "You Get Me" ...well, maybe. Branch offers a well-produced pastiche of chiming and strumming guitars, hip-hop-lite beats, quiet-verse-to-louder-chorus templates, and positive thinking. At her best--"If She Only Knew", a propulsive love note to an ex--she rivals the likes of
Sixpence None the Richer as likable radio-aimed fare. Catchy and self-expressive while breaking absolutely no ground, Branch also echoes everyone from label-mate
Alanis Morissette to the solo Belinda Carlisle. She dies just a little in this crazy mixed-up world, escapes to her secret garden for sunshine in the pouring rain, and ultimately finds her reflection getting clearer.
The Spirit Room could be the next bit of pop philosophy to dazzle mainstream audiences. --
Rickey Wright
CD Description
Released on Madonna's Maverick label, 'The Spirit Room' is the debut album from US singer/songwriter Michelle Branch. Produced by John Shanks (Chris Isaak, BBMak) the album is a mix of acoustic and electric pop rock, in the vain of Lisa Loeb, Melissa Etheridge, and Alanis Morrisette. The single 'Everyday' is also included.