I was talking to some friends the other day about how much we missed The Wreckers. “Leave the Pieces” and “My, Oh My” among other songs from their Stand Still Look Pretty album could have served as an anthem for women everywhere. The Wreckers were on their way to the top, even winning a Grammy in 2006.
Shortly after the release of the album the duo was able to score opening act for Rascal Flatts and announced they were breaking up after a short leg on the Keith Urban tour.
Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp parted ways taking along with them what seemed to be a flawless way to the top. Although Jessica had stated that they will indeed continue The Wreckers as a side project, with no official statement to the fans from Jessica or Michelle the rumors started flying. Many of stories have been told, mostly pointing fingers at one member or the other as to the reason for the breakup.
Now both ladies are gunning for the same country charts with brand new solo albums in the works.
We want to know….. Do you think there is a rivalry among The Wreckers fans? and will you be buying both albums or are you playing favorites?
Leave us a comment with your answers and you will be entered to win a copy of one of the following albums:
- Jessica Harp – Preface
- Michelle Branch – Hotel Paper
- Michelle Branch – The Spirit Room
- The Wreckers – Stand Still Look Pretty
- The Wreckers – Way Back Home: Live From New York City
Country Girl wants you to be a Tattle Tale! Have you been to a country concert lately? Run into a country artist while out on the town? We want to hear all about your country music news and entertainment. Email me at countrygirl@countrymusictattletale.com
Posted in 
Tags: 
I will be buying both for sure! I have been a fan of Michelle for longer though but Jessica has an amazing voice and I cannot wait to hear both their CD’s there gonna be amazing!
I will only be buying Jessicas. I’ve been supporting her for years now and will never stop! There could be possible rivalry among fans, we’ll have to wait and see. Jessica has always had a country flare as style in her songwriting as to where Michelle is just a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Sure she has amazing songs but she just seems…so fake. Personality get’s you further in life not just wannabe badass.
How could there not be a rivalry? Michelle basically ruined everything that they had worked so hard for. I think it’s crap. Michelle is not country and should not be played on country radio. I will only be buying Jessica’s album. It’s country and she deserves a chance.
The whole “breakup” is such a mystery to me. I wish we had a clear cut reason so we die-hards could have some closure! Haha. Personally, I am more of a Jessica fan. I prefer her writing and voice. Yes, I know it’s sounds a LOT like Michelle’s, but I can tell the difference!
I am 100% sure I will be purchasing Jess’ album…not 100% sure about Michelle. I will listen to it online first and see what I think.
I’m playing favorites. I love Jessica Harp. Always have always will and will only be buying her album. The Wreckers album was very good but the stories have have heard don’t shed a good light on Michelle as a person. If I were Jessica I would have said good reddens.
As of right now I only plan to buy Jessica’s album. I am basing this decision completely on the singles that I have heard so far.
I really hope that all of the stories that I heard are not true. If that’s the case I loose a lot of respect for Michelle. I’m not sure if I will buy either album as I was a Wreckers fan. Not a Jessica or Michelle fan.
I don’t like Michelle. Will not buy her album and this it’s horrible what she did to Jessica. I agree with Emily and say that Michelle should not be played on country radio.
What rumors? I haven’t heard anything. I read that they both wanted the next record to be something special but wanted to do solo stuff first.
I’ll be buying jessica’s for sure, won’t touch Michelle’s at all.
Although I’m a bigger Jess fan, I plan on buying both albums and supporting both girls. I do miss The Wreckers and think it’s unfortunate that they split up.
I’m definately takin Jessicas side. While I liked them together, Jessicas style is just a million times better.
I think it’s unfortunate they broke up because I loved The Wreckers. From what i heard the breakup was pretty ugly. Too bad because it would be been great to see them together again. Women groups never seem to work out. guess us women are just to bitchy.
I don’t know why you have to take sides???? I loved The Wreckers then and I love MB and JH now!
Each of them are very talented, but I preferred the two of them together as The Wreckers as opposed to them doing their solo things. I still plan to support them, maybe Michelle a little more so, but ultimately I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a Wreckers comeback.
I love both girls and I LOVE the wreckers, I miss them as a duo but I’ll probably buy both of their solo albums. I don’t really know what went down so I don’t feel like I can have an opinion in it.
I am leaning towards Jessica over Michelle. They were an awesome duo and I wish they could have worked things out, but I like Jessica’s music choices so far better than Michelles. Not to mention, Jessica’s done a betterjob with her video as well.
I’m a Jessica Harp and will definitely be buying her record. I haven’t been that impressed with what I’ve heard from Michelle. Her new songs sound exactly like the songs she last put out solo in 2003. Call me crazy, but you should expect growth as a writer and singer in that amount of time.
I, for one, am not hoping for a Wreckers reunion. I much prefer Jessica Harp on her own where she can shine all on her own.
I’ll definitely be buying Michelle’s cd. To me at least, it seems Jessica may just be another product of autotuning. Nobody would even know who she was without Michelle, and honestly even though Jessica is no doubt talented, she’s just not on the level of Michelle branch in songwriting, nor in stage presence. Michelle will sell more copies. I’d go to vegas with that bet.
Why do their have to be sides? Is this high school? Choose whose music you like whether it be Michelle, Jessica, both or neither. Voting between the two and starting insult flinging is childish. Whatever was their business was their business and not up to us to come up with ideas and call them truth.
I didn’t know there was a Wreckers rivalry until right now. That’s strange and makes me a little sad. Guess it’s good I don’t read the gossip? I love them both and am excited to hear both albums. Michelle’s earned a spot on my list of ‘artists whose albums I buy the day they come out.’ I’ll probably buy Jessica’s, too.
I think Michelle definitely has the talent….I will be purchasing that album. I have not heard of any trash talk between them though so not sure what the other threads are referring to. Jessica’s first video was a bit trashy so really wasn’t impressed. Always loved Michelle’s style when she was in pop and think her new song sounds like it could cross over but that’s okay…it’s good music!!!
I LOVE the Wreckers and will be buying both albums. After all, my licence plate says WRECKER. They are both so very talented. But, if they had a concert on the same night, I would probabaly go to the Jessica Harp concert. I’ve seen Michelle so many times and I think Jessica’s show would be a little smaller. But I love Michelle! Don’t make me choose ever lol.
Definitely only buying Michelle’s and will illegally download Jessica’s. Personally i think Jessica will always be her back up singer. Sorry Jess fans. I met her a couple months back at one of her shows and she is talented but no where near as talented as Michelle. And Michelle’s better looking ;] Jess up close is kinda scary.
I always loved michelle, until she had that huge outburst on her website years ago. She trashed santana and that whole project and just blamed her fans for the drama she was going through, it was total bs. I can’t help but laugh at how things turned out for them, its unfortunate but being apart of another fandom- one they met because of, I can understand. Let’s face it girls, hanson ruins everything lol.
Tough I do prefer Jessica, I really have a lot of respect for Michelle too. In my point of view, Michelle was more responsible for the melody of The Wreckers, while Jessica was the better lyricist. I don’t know about their “fight” or anything, so I’m not pretty sure about a possible comeback. It is just sad if they’re not friends anymore.
STOP THE HATE MAIL! : ) I have received numerous emails and read on other blogs and message boards about a “tiff” between Jessica and Michelle. It’s not a fight we are trying to start but a story we wanted to get feedback on. There is no need to send nasty emails to me with vulgar names and such. Just wanted to start a friendly conversation since both ladies are releasing albums. Friendly conversation…and a chance to win some FREE music. Back to open opinions and fun…… : )
I may listen to some of Jessica’s new stuff but I am, and always will be, a Michelle Branch fan. She is one of those rare gems in the music business that is a genuine talent and who doesn’t let it go to her head.
There was, and isn’t, a rivalry/disagreement. Stop trying to stir things up. It’s sad. This isn’t “friendly converstation,” Country Girl, it’s pathetic on your part.
Quinn, I read that there was a huge blowup between the Jessica and Michelle. So you might want to check your facts before you go around calling Country Girl names. Not classy in the least bit.
Why would anyone have to choose one? The whole point of music is to open up your ears BEYOND an artist, duo, or band and enjoy as much as you can. It doesn’t have to be a competition. They’ll both be on my stereo, whether together or separate.
@Samantha – Don’t confuse fact with gossip. There are 100 sides to every story.
RoBeast Rollie: maybe that’s part of the problem. We don’t know any of the story. They just left Wreckers fans high and dry. See ya bye bye.
I won’t take sides. I think they are both are extremely talented artists. I loved them as The Wreckers and have been a fan of both pre-Wreckers and post-Wreckers. I have met them both and had no issues with either one of them – thought they were both nice and treated people well in the m & g lines.
I will buy both their solo albums. =)
Guys, The Wreckers was always a side project. Michelle Branch has TWO Platinum albums under her belt before The Wreckers. She doesn’t need to be in the band, and quite frankly, has always been a solo artist. I’m sure in a few years her and Jess will get back together for a sophmore album, but until then, lets leave stupid rumours on the floor, k?
What are they fighting for? I guess it was just a rumours..They did a good job together and also will be great on their own..But i’ll buy michelle’s album coz i’ve been a fans for a long2 time..Hope she rocks more.. =)
If their albums come out I’ll buy both. But Jessica’s songs I’ve heard seem really dull & boring. It’s sad after hearing her grow for so many years. I think it’s funny that Jessica claimed in an interview she hasn’t had the time to listen to Michelle’s new songs… bs!
I love Michelle she is a great artist and will be buying her album for sure!
This is stupid
To be honest, I couldn’t do the whole wreckers thing. I was a fan of michelle’s before, and while I certainly have nothing against miss harp (I actually like her) I will always be a fan of Michelle solo. However, I wouldn’t mind the style of music during the “broken bracelet” tar and hp years.
I will definatly buy Michelle’s . After meeeting her and seeing what a down to earth person she is I would not miss it. You rock Michelle & I can’t wait till your back in Columbus.
Though I have been a fan of Michelle’s since the beginning I am also a fan of Jessica’s. I don’t understand why people are saying Michelle is fake and shouldn’t be played on country radio. Country music has been with her for a long time and seems to be very close to her heart. Country music is about telling a story and being a great songwriter and performer…something I think Michelle is great at. What a pointless poll…
@Samantha – How have you been left high and dry? Did your Wreckers albums get recalled? Have your memories of them performing live been erased? With all the pressure that these gossipy threads put on artists, it’s amazing that they can still keep going at all, let alone the way “fans” prefer.
Sure I have memories and my CD but these days with so many artists online and talking to fans you can’t just walk away from your career (fans), give. No explaination why and then come back and not expect people to ask questions. Or start rumors for that matter! Country Girl didn’t start a rumor she simply asked a question. Settle down.
Choosing sides is immature. A neutral stance is the correct one. This whole affair is really just a microcosm of what’s wrong with the world today. People are so knee deep in factionalism. It’s high time for feuding hillbillies to kiss and make up! The world needs more love and compassion! Peace, y’all. You’re beautiful!
This “I heard somewhere” basis for reporting anything is why the media suffers these days. Show me some direct quotes or a statement from someone that matters (Jessica or Michelle) and even then…who cares? I’m about the music. And by my taste (and the fact I have been a fan since the beginning) I will buy Michelle’s disc. But this has nothing to do with any made up “blow up” to get traffic on this site. I just like Michelle’s music better than about 98% of all other.
OMG! Read the article people! I am just asking our readers the questions:
Do you think there is a rivalry among The Wreckers fans? and will you be buying both albums or are you playing favorites? I don’t think it’s an unfair question.
tommythesaint: The only official statement that was made told us that they split do to “creative differences”.
I did hear that Jessica and Michelle are not friends anymore. I heard the breakup was not a good one but that doesn’t change the music for me personally. I loved the Wreckers and don’t care for either of them solo. Not because of the stories that I heard or the people they appear to be. Its just because I don’t like their music when they are not signing it together.
Wow.
Okay. First off, why the hell is this any of our business? Who are we to judge a situation that we know nothing about. Do any of you people know either of them personally? Doubt that.
In addition, even if you ‘think’ a person is a jerk, what does that have to do with the quality of music they make? Both artists are equally talented, so sit down, shut up.
Also, can we please take a step back about this Michelle bashing? Give it up. The girl is talented, she has a kick ass voice, she is inspiration to a lot of people. Her songs are real and from the heart. SHE has been the voice of young women for years.
In conclusion, grow up, get off the computer and get some friends.
H8ers gon’ H8.
Michelle-Keep your head up and keep rockin’.