Review Summary: It’s strange how music back then is more beautiful and real.
I've been noticing that lately, pop music is getting worse, and I’m sure that pretty soon a pop song that sounds so terrible will be overplayed on radios. Or maybe, there is already a pop song like that. It’s up to you to decide which is which, but I rarely turn on the radio nowadays in fear of hearing trashy, mind-shattering, garbage, and why-the-heck-did-that-disc-jockey-played-this song music.
So as a result, I decided to listen to albums that I know are good based on reviews and charts and all those complicated areas in determining whether an album is amazing or awful. I traveled back to the start of the millennium (it’s not time-travelling, people call it throwback), and by some chance I stumbled upon Michelle Branch and her debut, The Spirit Room. I decided to give it a try.
I know some of the songs on this album, even before I knew what the album title is. “Everywhere”, “All You Wanted”, and “Goodbye to You” are all hit songs back in the days, and so I am already familiar with them. At least I know what to expect on The Spirit Room, and the album didn't fail me.
The album opens up with the single “Everywhere”, and it sets the mood for the album, although it particularly stands out from the rest because it has a rock influence. Lyrically, the song is simple, but it amazingly captures that teenage daydream angst and Branch’s delivery of the song makes it all the more beautiful. “All You Wanted” captures the listener’s attention in the first few seconds, and keeps him/her glued on until the end of the song. “Goodbye to You” is a powerful ballad at the near end of the album, displaying Branch’s talent in songwriting and vocals. Her songwriting talks a lot about teen love and angst, although she sounds more mature for her age.
The rest of the album is particularly good, making it full and interesting all throughout. Some songs like “You Get Me” and “You Set Me Free” are standouts, but what really shines through is “Sweet Misery”, an emotional song that is catchy and beautiful. Other songs feature a different style, like “Drop in the Ocean” and it suits well with Branch’s vocals.
Speaking of her vocals, Michelle Branch has her own style of singing which would work on some songs and not on others. It’s breathy and soothing and relaxing and overall fluid, and it provides for a good listen. Sometimes, her voice sounds pitchy and dry, but it doesn't fully bring the album down.
Michelle Branch is a talented artist who writes her own songs, and her genre is pop-rock and alternative. She is real, and that is reflected on her songs. What sets her apart from others is her musical talent and style, and The Spirit Room will remain as one of the most remembered albums in 2001. It’s strange how music back then is more beautiful and real.
