Your bag is empty.
You might remember Michelle Branch as the angsty teenager who helped soundtrack the early 2000s. Or maybe you just remember “Everywhere,” which was literally everywhere. But Branch was never just a Y2K phenomenon—and her five Top 40 hits, two multiplatinum albums, multiple Grammy nominations and Grammy win in 2003 prove just that.
Branch may have helped define an era, but she’s hardly confined to it. She sold out her fall tour in a week, which resulted in her adding more than 20 dates for 2027.
For Playboy’s Foreplaylist, Branch shares the songs, sounds, and artists that turn her on.
What are you listening to right now?
I’ve been really into the band Geese, as well as Cameron Winter’s new “Live at Carnegie Hall” album.
What’s the sexiest instrument?
A cello being played by a beautiful woman.
What’s the sexiest song ever written?
I don’t know if it qualifies as a sexy song necessarily, but I’m partial to the romance of “Lay, Lady, Lay” by Bob Dylan.
Is it true that you and Taylor Swift have written songs about two of the same men?
Every artist has to have their muse, right? I can’t tell you who I’ve written songs about, but I think they know who they are. It’s not Travis Kelce.
If people could only hear one of your songs, which would you want it to be?
I would want it to be one of my songs called “Through The Radio,” off my new record that’s coming out next year.
What’s the sexiest album ever made?
“Depression Cherry” by Beach House has a certain sexy, all-consuming atmosphere about it.
Which song on your playlist has the sexiest lyric?
“#1 Crush” by Garbage. It made a big impression on teenage-me. It’s obsessive, which I can relate to.
Who has the sexiest voice in music?
Robert Plant. No question.
Which artist has taught you the most about music?
My husband, Patrick Carney, from the Black Keys. We fell in love while making a record together. He not only has vast knowledge of music, but he has an impressive understanding of the business itself. He’s fascinating.\
What’s love song you never get tired of?
“Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” by Sophie B. Hawkins. It’s the sort of song I wish I had written.
What’s another song about love, sex, or heartbreak you wish you’d written?
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” from Bonnie Raitt is a heartbreaking song I wish I’d written. I mean, we’ve all been there, right? Fun fact, it was actually co-written by a former NFL player (Mike Reid).
If you could collaborate with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?
Growing up in Arizona, local hero Stevie Nicks was a huge influence on me. I’ve actually already had the surreal experience of collaborating with Stevie on a cover of the Fleetwood Mac song “Say You Love Me” for a covers project that was sadly shelved. Being in the studio [and] watching the way she works and singing harmonies with her was a dream come true, even if it was never released.
Do you actually listen to music when you hook up, or only before?
Music definitely sets the tone leading up to it, but I’m weirdly too distracted by music during the act. I’d probably break out in harmony and totally kill the vibe. I’d rather listen to the noises my partner makes anyway.
