Hopeless Romantic
Michelle Branch’s third album—arriving 14 years after 2003’s *Hotel Paper*—finds the singer/songwriter teaming up with Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney for a hooky, slightly battle-scarred breakup record, on which her airy soprano, muscular rhythms, and chiming guitars recall Fleetwood Mac and Haim’s most irresistible hits. “Fault Line” layers shimmering riffs under Branch’s whispered regret; “Temporary Feeling” winds around a flinty guitar line that mirrors its heated-moment lyrics, delivered by Branch’s lithe voice while conveying both chilled-out vibes and smooth sensuality.
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