If you are in the market for a second Spirit Room, as I was, Hotel Paper is going to be a disappointment. If Spirit Room was Branch’s burst of energy, Hotel Paper is more of a snooze. Not that the quality has dropped, it’s simply a different style of music that will have a different audience.
However it’s not a total overhaul, Michelle’s music has always been a mesh of energetic and ballads from her first independently released album, Broken Bracelet. So if songs like “you get me” and “sweet misery” then Hotel Paper will really be to your taste.
In it perhaps not surprising Michelle’s music would turn this way. She is growing up, just as Avril Lavigne went from the upbeat lively Lets Go to the more solumn rock style Under My Skin. However Under My Skin was still a better album in my opinion whereas Spirit Room remains Michelle’s best.
Stickyness is disappointing, by the time I had heard the album I had already got are you happy now out of my system, although odd songs such as Tuesday Morning may catch your eye. Quality isn’t too bad but that’s personal taste. My advice, make sure you check the demo tracks before making a purchase, even if you’re a fan. |
Title: Hotel Paper