I’m totally loving the new invasion of indie/pop princesses. There huge in America but when are they going to be shown the light of day in this country? My sister decided to buy me a CD by Michelle Branch. At the time I had absolutely no idea who the heck Michelle Branch was but decided to give the CD a listen and ever since I’ve been a huge fan of the talented girl.

Teenage pop starlets are usually beautiful, leggy, blonde creatures who can’t really sing but are lovely to look at. Am I right or am I right? The concept of another Britney in the making has become somewhat dull and there is really no need for ANY more. Young singers such as Michelle Branch, Vanessa Carlton and Avril Lavigne are finally doing something different and being judged upon their talent, not just their appearance. All I can say is Go Girls!

Michelle grew up in Arizona and did a lot of performances in her hometown. She was relatively unknown stateside but continued to write songs and play her guitar at a very early age. Her determination seemed to pay off as she was the opening act for the then teen sensation Hanson. She released her first album “Broken Bracelet” but it really failed to do anything in the charts.

Michelle was then signed to Madonna’s Maverick record label which instantly shows she must be very talented if the queen of pop noticed her. This was a big deal and in interviews with Michelle she would always be asked about how she was noticed and the fact that she was signed to Madonna’s record label.

At only 19 years of age Michelle proves she’s beyond her years as she writes her own material and plays the guitar. This seems to be a trend in the US these days; do you think this is the end of the Britney’s and the Christina’s? I think it does show talent the fact that she produces her own material.

Michelle has quite a unique voice, the way she signs is totally different to everyone else. She has her own style, it could be described as whiny singing but hey at least it sounds good. I think it is different to everyone else’s style of singing and that is definitely what I like about her.

The album is a mixture of pop and soft rock. The strumming guitar, soft rock element and the catchy choruses make this album addictive as hell. This album will definitely satisfy pop lovers but it also has that rock sound that gives the album an edge. I think in America they would call this type of music preppy pop music, songs you would be most likely to hear in Dawson’s creek or on any college campus really. The Spirit Room isn’t Michelle’s debut release. It’s her second album but her first Album “Broken Bracelet” failed to do anything in the charts.

I love the way the track listing is set out. Each song is different to the next in some way so it’s not like your listening to the same track over and over. I think it has all been set out perfectly and starting the album with her first release “everywhere” was definitely the right choice. The songs don’t really have any complex meanings and can be understood quite easily which is good as most of the songs have good lyrics and meanings.

Michelle recently performed at “Party In The Park” and I tuned in just to see what she would be like and she just as amazing live. She works her voice really well but one thing that irritated me was the fact that the crowd failed to get going. That just proves she isn’t really famous here. I have simply one question. Why? She’s talented, has a great voice, plays her own instrument, writes her own material and HELLO the queen of pop noticed her!

THE TRACKS~~

Everywhere

This was the song that made me think this album might actually be quite good. It just a beautiful start to a wonderful album. I think a lot of people might feel that they can relate to this song. It’s definitely addictive. It kind of starts out with a soft pop sound but when the song gets going it’s definitely got a more soft rock sound to it. This song is extremely infectious and very catchy. This was the first release off the album and definitely the ideal start to the album. This is probably my most favourite song because I love everything about it. The way it was produced, the lyrics, the guitar and the overall sound. I always find myself singing along to this song whenever it’s on. I think absolutely anyone can love this song, not just soft rock lovers, but pop and indie fans. I wouldn’t categorise this song anyway because it’s kind of a mix of loads of music genres.

You Get Me

When I first put this track on I thought, wait a minute this isn’t Michelle. She sounds quite a bit different compared to the way she sounds on some of the other tracks. This song has a tune that is instantly likeable and that’s what I love about this track, it didn’t take time for it to grow on me, I liked it straight away. I kind of connect this song to summer, don’t ask me why but it just has that whole summery vibe about it. Lyrically the song is excellent and the lyrics are definitely worth listening out for. It is a slow song but has a very romantic side to it. I love the fact that this song is kind of romantic. It’s such a sweet song. Even though Michelle sounds somewhat different on this track her voice still sounds amazing.

All You Wanted

I love this song because it’s such a sweet song with lovely lyrics. It was the second release off the album and is a bit similar to “everywhere” but still different. The style is quite similar to “Everywhere” and is probably a good choice for the second single as it isn’t too different. I absolutely love the lyrics and I think anyone can relate to this song. If you aren’t really sure about listening to Michelle’s music I would recommend this song as it’s just so lovely. I love this song because the melody is great and it’s just one hell of a catchy song. For a few days I couldn’t get this song out of my head and kept singing it just like I did with “Everywhere”. The vocals on the song are brilliant and I think its one of the stand out tracks.

You Set Me Free

The first thing I noticed about this track was the catchy and infectious beat. This song is quite up tempo and definitely would be classed as one of the happier, catchy tunes. This is one of the songs I liked straight away and it didn’t need to grow on me. This is an instantly likeable track. I just loved the tune first time I heard it. The lyrics are also so lovely and different. I think Michelle sings this song perfectly and her voice suits the style of the song. The vocals are great on this track. The thing I love about this song most is that it has a summery vibe to it (like quite a few songs on the album) which makes it so much more likeable. The overall sound of the song is great and I’m sure this song would stand out to the more commercial audience.

Something To Sleep To

This is definitely one of those chill out songs, but with a wicked guitar sound in the background. This isn’t one of my favourite songs on the album but still it is good to listen to. I think you’d need to be in a chill out to be able to enjoy this track. The tune does sound very familiar to me but I can’t really work out where I’ve heard it before. The song has a bit of retro sound to it, a bit similar to “Sweet Misery” but more up tempo. The way this song was produced is excellent and everything goes together perfectly. I can’t imagine this song being a future single. It’s got a good tune and is quite catchy too. This is another one of those ‘growers’. You’ll probably hate it at first but with time it’ll slowly grow on you.

Here With Me

When the song starts it kind of has a strange sound effect in it and that really stopped me from liking the song much but it just grew on me like most of the other stuff on the album. It’s a lot more chilled out than some of the other tracks and some might say has a bit of a depressing vibe to it but that’s what makes this song so special. This song is good but I think the chorus keeps it going as the verses aren’t really as exciting as the chorus. The song is a bit slow in the verse but picks up in the chorus. It isn’t really as strong as some of the other songs but still very catchy. The song is ideal for relaxing and chilling out to, and I’m sure a lot of people will feel that they can relate to this song. Her style of singing is also very good on this song.

Sweet Misery

This song has quite a retro beginning and is quite reminiscent of the 80’s pop icons but as you get into it, it becomes a lot more guitar based. To be honest I wasn’t too fond of this song when I heard it for the first time but the most I listened to it the more it grew on me. The song has a somewhat depressing vibe about it but this could also be a chill out vibe to others. I do like the vibe of the song as it isn’t all happy and cheery but more sentimental and sad. The slow beats on the song match up with the guitar sound and Michelle’s chilled out way of singing. You probably won’t like this song if you don’t enjoy depressing, lyrical songs but hey this is the type of song that would probably grow on you with time.

If Only She Knew

This song starts out with quite a heavy beat but as the song gets going it mainly focuses on Michelle’s vocals and that’s the best part about this song. She does sing quite a bit louder than she does on the other tracks which does show off her vocal talent a bit more. Some of the other songs on the album can sound quite similar to other tracks but this song is much more original and different. Also the tone of this song is just right; the loud beats go well with Michelle’s louder style of singing. I think the strumming guitar sounds perfect on this song as well. The tune is perfect and this song is very likeable. It should definitely be put into the slow, chill out tracks category.

I'd Rather Be In Love

This is just such a wicked song. I love the guitar sound on the track and Michelle does sound somewhat different but this is definitely a class track. For some reason it reminds me of the Avril Lavigne song “Complicated” as it has quite a similar sound but it’s different in its own way. I love the way Michelle sings on this song because her voice is different a bit more whiny but hey it sounds good! The slow sound to the song emphasises the gorgeous lyrics too. I wasn’t really keen on this song to begin with but it did eventually grow on me and I know love it. I just started to relate to the lyrics and I absolutely love the melody. Overall it has a lovely sound to it with lovely lyrics. If you like Avril’s song “complicated” I’m sure you’ll love this.

Goodbye to You

This soft song starts off to a strumming guitar which sounds amazing. I love songs with this kind of sound so I knew I was going to love this song. For Buffy fans this song might sound familiar as it featured in an episode of the show. This song is definitely one of my favourites as the song itself is based on Michelle’s lovely voice and the strumming guitar sound. There are some nice beats added in there as well which just makes the song sound even better. This is definitely one of my, soft, melancholy guitar playing favourite songs on the album because of the soft strumming guitar sound. The soft, melancholy guitar sound is so sweet and lovely and I think it’s one of the best things in the song. Also I think a lot of people will feel that they can relate to this beautiful song.

Drop In The Ocean

This is probably my least favourite song on the album because its just too slow for me. It has a really eerie, haunting sound to it which isn’t exciting in any sense of the word. I think this is an awful finish to the album. It’s just weird and hard to describe. Once the strange intro finishes you kind of get into the song I must admit it does improve but is still too slow and eerie. This song would probably be more of a chill out song but I would find it far too difficult to chill out to this as it’s too haunting. Michelle’s style of singing has also somewhat changed to suit the sound of the song and her singing is a bit soft yet strong. Toward the end of the end of the song there are loads of louder beats added to the song making it sound a lot less eerie but still, I don’t really understand the point of that as there’s not much left to the song. I have to admit this song was the only one I didn’t like.

OVERALL~~

Overall I think this album is definitely worth picking up. I think it’s for everyone, as it does have elements that would attract people who love loads of different types of music. I think Michelle has a unique style and should definitely continue to make more music as I think she will progress in a good way.

Personally I don’t really usually like this kind of music but for some reason I love this album, I loved the majority of the tracks which was a bit surreal to me as I don’t usually like most songs on an album of this kind. See if can like it I’m sure loads of you out there will too.

Many people might believe that this album is for supposed rock fans but trust me this album is probably more commercial than you’d think. There are some elements on the album which are new to the UK but there some very familiar sounds on the album making it more mainstream. This album is very accessible. The sound Michelle brings to the UK should be appreciated! I mean come on, what is happening to the UK music charts? S Club Juniors (Please, Please go away!), H & Claire (Urm, aren’t they steps anyway?) and all those annoying pop idol’s (Why are you doing this to us?!). I think Michelle has a brilliant sound and her music is brilliant.

Go pick up this album if you like pop, soft rock and indie. It might be a bit too commercial for hardcore indie and rock fans but for pop fans wanting to convert to rock and indie fans I think it would be a good start. I know so many people who refuse to listen to commercial radio but still love this album so I think anyone could love it.

So do you think she’ll put the Britney’s and Christina’s out of business?

(`*·.¸(`*·.¸¸.·*')¸.·*')®
«°'¨`·.°BabyGirl°.·'¨`°»
(°¸∆.·''(¸.·'''·.¸)`' ·.∆¸°)