Album of the Day

With 2001's THE SPIRIT ROOM, Sedona, Arizona, native Michelle Branch made an impressive and precocious major label debut – she was just 18 when it was released. The Maverick collection would sound assured coming from a singer-songwriter twice that age; the 11 originals are insightful and melodic, and Branch proves a versatile and passionate vocalist. Producer John Shanks applies bright polish to the consistently catchy material, and the result was irresistible to radio: “Everywhere,” “All You Wanted” and “Goodbye to You” were all Top 40 singles, driving the album to double-platinum sales status. Michelle Branch made a welcome return to record stores in April after several years away, and while she still has a long career ahead, THE SPIRIT ROOM shows great talent was there from the beginning.