Album of the Day

Born in Sedona, Arizona on this day in 1983, Michelle Branch made an impressive and precocious major label debut – she was just 18 when THE SPIRIT ROOM was released. The 2001 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 applied 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. While Michelle Branch still has a long career ahead, THE SPIRIT ROOM shows her great talent was there from the beginning.