Growing Pains

Sean Richardson of the Boston Phoenix reviewed Michelle Branch’s sophomore effort ‘Hotel Paper’. Richardson writes, “Although Michelle shares [Avril Lavigne-s] love for [Alanis Morissette] and megapop production, the crucial difference between the two – Michelle is a classicist, Avril a modernist – will probably serve her well in the long run. Meanwhile, her impact has not gone unnoticed in the industry: [producer/songwriter/guitarist John] Shanks was called upon to produce the recent debut albums by girly-pop hopefuls Lucy Woodward and Lillix. With Michelle’s closest rival, Vanessa Carlton, lying low for now, it makes sense that she’s striking back while the iron is still hot. But Hotel Paper sounds as if it could have benefited from a little more rest and relaxation.” Read more.