When Ingrid Michaelson sings, the world listens.
Ever since 2005, the songstress’ whimsical lyrics have been winding their way through peoples’ ears and settling in their hearts. Who could forget the quirky first single “The Way I Am” or the infectiously poppy “Be OK”?
“Human Again,” Michaelson’s fifth studio album, is brimming with emotion and honesty. In an interview from earlier this year, Michaelson talks about her newest triumph, citing producer David Kahne as her inspiration.
“He said, ‘Why don’t you sing the way you sing live on your records?’” she recalled in an interview with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers that was posted on YouTube. Several months later, on a record produced by Kahne, she’s done just that.
“Opening up vocally allowed me to open up emotionally and lyrically,” Michaelson explained. “I took a step outside of my comfort zone, and I’m proud of myself for that.”
And it shows. “Fire” kicks off with aggressive strings, calling back the triumphant conclusion of “Any Other World” from Mika’s 2007 album “Life in Cartoon Motion.” It worked five years ago, and it works again now. Michaelson’s vocals are an equally forceful complement to the driving cellos.
“This is War” has a more pensive feel. “It’s a wonder at all that I’m alive,” Michaelson ponders in the song, her words ensconced by guitar that soon escalates into a wave of percussion. It’s a song about the wonders of human strength, and its resolute lyrics summarize the album’s overall message of positive change.
The next track, “Do It Now,” finally shows Michaelson putting into action the ideas she only contemplated on her 2009 album “Everybody.” Strings weave in and out, leading to the inspirational bridge. The tune is very radio-friendly and keeps the album’s message and momentum going, though it somewhat lacks the red-hot buildup that characterizes “Fire.”
“I’m Through” is slower, opening with a beautiful string chorus. It’s melancholic and heartfelt, revealing a softer side of Michaelson’s pitch-perfect soprano. A subdued piano rounds out the sound of the track while maintaining its wistful feel.
Michaelson is queen of the feel-good song, as evidenced by the title track from her album “Everybody.” “Blood Brothers” is a unique anthem that empowers its listeners by highlighting their common origin. “We’re all the same under a different name,” croons the bespectacled singer, and by the song’s end, she’s sold it.
“Black and Blue” is a playful yet accusatory song that calls out a love interest for hurting the narrator. The often distorted-sounding background instruments make this track stand out from the others. The lyrics admit vulnerability, but Michaelson’s voice is bursting with gutsy determination, even at its quietest volume.
Next is “Ribbons,” one of the album’s pleasant surprises. It begins with the soft strum of a single guitar, but this hidden gem really allows Michaelson’s vocals to soar. Unfortunately, it ends just when her voice is really taking off.
“How We Love” is the rare gift of a song that tells a story, both in its words and its music. Michaelson makes some truly poignant observations about life and love between the raw strumming of a guitar and her own harmonious “oohs.” It’s just her and the guitar, and the sparse instrumentation works beautifully.
“Palm of Your Hand” quickens the pace again with drumbeats and guitars flying. The track comes to terms with the fact that feeling pain is one of the most important elements of being human. It also provides an excellent segue into the culminating point of the album.
It’s unusual for a first single to be so far into an album, yet here it is at No. 10. But “Ghost” is worth the wait. This is the kind of song that proves its worth almost immediately and only keeps escalating into the first chorus. It’s a perfect blend of strings, piano and vocals that crescendo tantalizingly and then get reeled expertly in again. The final three notes on the piano leave listeners wanting more.
“In the Sea” moves in another direction entirely. This rather ominous track is fueled by booming drums and moves along cautiously until the end, when it lets loose with a chorus of chill-inducing “ohs.”
By contrast, “Keep Warm” is a story of newfound love. It’s an appropriately cozy song, and Michaelson’s genuine lyrics are enough to warm even the chilliest of winter days.
“End of the World” is Michaelson’s last chance to shine, and she knows it. Her voice soars to new heights as she pours her heart out for the listening. The song is a final testament to the power of human connection, and Michaelson combines strength and vulnerability in a very real and relatable way.
“Human Again” is an exhilarating achievement in itself, inhibited only by tracks that often end a moment too soon. It’s also just the beginning of a bolder, more dynamic Ingrid Michaelson whose future endeavors can only continue to delight and dazzle.
Lindsey Tulloch can be reached at [email protected].
