Michelle Branches Out: Is There Life after Love?

During the early 2000s, Michelle Branch was inescapable: her major label debut The Spirit Room spawned ubiquitous hits like “Everywhere” and “Goodbye to You,”and she won a Grammy for her collaboration with Santana on “The Game of Love.”

Michelle Branch

Hopeless Romantic (Verve Records)

Though she’s continued to write and record in the intirim, Hopeless Romantic is her first new full length release in 14 years. The singer/songwriter returns with an edgy sound inspired by blues and ‘70s rock. The album was produced and co-written by Branche’s now-boyfriend Patrick Carney of the band The Black Keys. The pair first met at a Grammy party in 2015 and hit it off instantly; almost immediately after the serendipitous encounter, they hit the studio to work on this album. Hopeless Romantic emerges not only a chronicle of the Branch’s bitter recent divorce — showcasing deeply personal lyrics about love, lust and heartbreak — but also addresses other issues, including her conflicts with various record labels over the last decade. Though it’s been a while since the early aughts when Michelle’s music was ubiquitous, loyal fans are sure to feel rewarded for their patience in awaiting this return.