• Record Label: Maverick
  • Release Date: Jun 24, 2003
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 10
  2. Negative: 0 out of 10
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    50
    The inescapable girlishness in her voice heightens the unlived-in quality of hackneyed, loverlorn ballads like "Desperately," the least desperate-sounding song of 2003. [Jun 27/Jul 4 2003, p.136]
  2. Most of the songs just lumber along at the same plodding, deliberate pace, boasting very few of the fun hooks that made her previous album so annoyingly likeable.
  3. In the course of the album, it's hard not to notice that all the songs sound the same, and for that matter, they all sound the same as that Avril Lavigne song about the damn cold night, even if Michelle technically got there before Avril.
  4. Sadly for such weighty themes of trust, betrayal, loneliness, living out of a suitcase and long distance relationships, the lack of true darkness amongst the sweetness and light is a little frustrating.
  5. Blender
    60
    Too often... Branch expresses loneliness or betrayal or yearning without the precision or detail that would make her sentiments memorable. [#17, p.132]
  6. The album doesn't have the detail of character that made Michelle Branch so appealing the first time out.
  7. Hotel Paper treads the line between rushed brilliance and rushed dross.
  8. Q Magazine
    60
    If not as catchy (or stroppy) as Avril Lavigne, she is never less than efficient. [Aug 2003, p.102]
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 35 out of 44
  2. Negative: 7 out of 44
  1. Nov 20, 2021
    8
    Loved this alternative, country and rock feel. Amazing voice and solo artist. “Are you happy now” is my favourite.
  2. Jul 13, 2021
    9
    I don't understand the fact that this has worse reviews that Hopeless Romantic.
  3. May 10, 2021
    9
    Empty handed is one of the best songs i've ever heard. The power and emotion on it is just amazing, and Tuesday Morning, Are You Happy Now,Empty handed is one of the best songs i've ever heard. The power and emotion on it is just amazing, and Tuesday Morning, Are You Happy Now, Breathe and the beautiful It's You, are also highlights on the album. The rest of the album is not bad at all, but quite forgettable, although it contains great songwriting and the collaboration with Sheryl Crow is lovely. A great work by a pop rock icon that can step on my neck any day of the week. Full Review »