Most artists falter after a really successful debut CD, but not Michelle Branch. "Holtel Paper" maintains the same pristine musicianship displayed in "The Spirit Room" She is impressive and one to be reckon with. A lot of fans who play the guitar seems to really dig her, which is probably a a compliment in itself. "Are You Happy Now" the first track pretty much sets the tone and the more you listen to this CD, the more you are amazed. There's a duet with Sheryl Crow on track#7 which I find interesting because you can't hardly hear Sheryl because they mirror each other's vocals, and ofcourse there's "Breath" Let's all hope that Michelle will keep on making cool music.

Intro - ***
Are You Happy Now (initial single) - *****
Find Your Way Back - *****
Tuesday Morning - ****
Empty Handed - ****
One Of These Days - ****
Love Me Like That - ****
Desperately - *****
Breathe (second single. faired better than the initial) - ****
Where are You Now - *****
Hotel Paper - *****
Till I Get Over You - ****
It's You - *****

Cover Art: B+
Other Art: A-
Songwriting: B-
Production: A-
Length: A+
Overall: B--

56/13 = 4.75

4.75 stars.

Oh and IGNORE that, "SO superior to the sophomore album" thing I said about Her first album. It was great, but the Scores never Lie...

I am a big Michelle Branch fan.
It never ceases to amaze me the powerful sound
that comes out of this womans vocal cords.
I enjoy listening to this and the rest of her CD`s.

This is my fave CD ever. If you like real music, this is it!

Bad news is that I wasted my time listening to this whinefest.
Good news is that I bought it used.

I give it two stars because there are two tolerable songs on the CD and she is a cutie.

More good news. I re-sold it for my purchase price.