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Really enjoy listening to Michelle Branch and her new album Hotel Paper.
There may be people who write her off as just another pop teen queen. But her music is actually not what you call "pop". Her lyrics (yeah, I'm a lyrical person) are simple, honest and thoughtful. No fanciful hyperbole (ie. no I will always love you till the day I die, you are the one I will always love crap) here. Just simple insights about love, life and relationships. And even the token breakup song in the album is not your usual soppy fare, none of the cry here cry there emotions. Just, as I said, honest and reflective.
Oh we both know
That we want it
But we both know
You left me no choice
Plus, she opts for the band sound, with a real live band backing her up, rather than unnatural, synthesized music that many singers opt for. There are funky beats and heavy guitar strains in her songs, elements that I like in my music nowadays.
We both know
We can't change it
But we both know
We'll just have to face it
It might be an album full of songs on love but somehow, Michelle Branch carries it off with a quiet grace and maturity that seems to be lacking in many singers nowadays. She sings with her soul and her words come straight from the heart. And it moves me. From the very simple It's You to the I-don't-give-a-damn Are you happy now?, she seems to mean every word that she sings. And it helps that the melodies (well, mostly) are pretty strong.
So just give me one good reason
Tell me why I should stay
'Cause I don't want to waste another moment
Saying things we never meant to say
So why am I waxing lyrical over her? It's because I truly believe that she is one of the best young female singer I have heard. Her previous outing, The Spirit Room is lyrically driven too. In fact, I put her right up there with the likes of Jewel who is a personal favourite.
Her music just suits my mood nowadays......pensive.....introspective.....but never depressed...... =)
