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Hotel Paper (by Michelle Branch, Pop)

common sense media says

Sweet, well-produced CD could use a shot of fun.

parents & educators say
See all 8 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this album could inspire conversations about being in love, longing for the beloved's attention, and exactly how far one might go to get it.

Positive messages: Repeated themes of giving it up for love grow weary after a while
Violence: No violence here.
Sex: No explicit sex, lots of angst and teenage longing.
Language: No obscene words.
Consumerism: Apparent tie-in with aol, as there are three sessions@aol live performances on the enhanced CD.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Unless you count obsessive love, there are no drug (or alcohol) references.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Hotel Paper

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about love and relationships -- no doubt a topic of interest for teens. Include discussions about why it's important to keep a strong sense of your own self when you're involved with someone.

What's the story?

What's the story?
HOTEL PAPER, Michelle Branch's follow-up to her platinum debut album, The Spirit Room, includes the featured track "Are You Happy Now?" and is enhanced with six videos -- from both the studio and live performances from Sessions@AOL. There's also a Michelle Branch photo gallery, so fans have a lot to sink their teeth into. The songs are well produced and well crafted. Shining moments are "Love Me Like That" (a duet with Sheryl Crow) and "Breathe," hailed by many reviewers as the next hit. The overall message is that of a bittersweet look inside a young girl's heart. If a little bland, it's also nicely delivered, and feels authentic enough.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The music showcases Branch's voice and her acoustic guitar playing. Both are consistently lovely, if unremarkable. The album's greatest weakness is monotony -- both in the music and in the message; the songs all start sounding and feeling the same after a while, less carefree than some of her previous work. Would it be so terrible if this extremely talented, attractive, and successful young musician seemed to be having a little more fun? Where's Carlos Santana when we need him?

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: June 23, 2003
Label: Maverick
Genre: Pop
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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What parents & educators say

8

Most useful reviews by all members

Chariot
 
Pretty good cd. Not outstanding but good. Clean.
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common_sense_u ...
adult
 
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jumpinbini
adult
8
 
This is a great album to have, there's no bad language or sexuality, it's just honest, laid back music. It includes a lot of guitar and one song with piano. She writes most of her own lyrics, and she writes about love, life and many of the emotions that we experience, so people of all ages can relate to it.
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fashionmodelgurl
teen, 16 years old
9
 
Love her!
I absolutely love her music! She has her own different style which I just adore and can't get out of my head! She seems to always sing about love, but in a very pure and clean way, that is very appealing. There is no offensive language and I would say almost anyone could listen to her music. My favorite tracks on the cd are; Are You Happy Now?, Find Your Way Back, Tuesday Morning, and Breathe. I could listen to her music at any point in the day and always feel in the mood for it.
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sara4ever95
teen, 16 years old
8
 
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mikee990
adult
 
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mc2004
adult
 
Mediocre music
Michelle Branch's sophomore effort is a so so album. There are some excellent cuts, but there are a lot of skippable tracks as well. There is no offensive material.
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bookworm112
teen, 16 years old
 
Great!
Michelle Branch is my favorite singer, however I do agree with Common Sense: Michelle could use some fun in her CD. My favorite tracks are "Are You Happy Now?" and "Find Your Way Back". I think her first CD, The Spirit Room, was a lot better-I liked almost every track on that one. There is no really offensive material.
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Puppygal32
teen, 17 years old
12
 
Great for Tweens!
Great album for tweens to listen to. Michelle Branch has a beautiful voice and is a great pop artist.
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