Etheridge, SR-71) -- as outcasts seek out companionship on the airwave ripe "You Get Me" and hearts break on the swooning "All You Wanted." If Branch's subject matter fails to cover any new terrain, at least lyrics like "I'm a little left of center/Some people say I'm out of tune," exhibit some honesty.
Spirit Room may not be flawless -- it's marred by a dated, canned drum production for one thing -- but with that voice guiding her, Branch makes an impressive entrance.
JOHN D. LUERSSEN
(August 13, 2001)