Hopeless Romantic

Michelle Branch’s third album—arriving 14 years after 2003’s <i>Hotel Paper</i>—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.