Anna Taylor
Features Editor
I was excited to hear about Ingrid Michaelson’s new album. Expecting piano ballads (a personal favorite of mine) and mello acoustic guitars, I was somewhat satisfied after sampling the tracks.
Opening her fifth studio album with a strong orchestral number, Michaelson sings about a “heated” relationship with a current interest. The song, “Fire,” brings an upbeat energy to the album that is somewhat new to Ingrid’s usual mello style.
“This Is War” speaks about a mission of getting closure post-breakup. Through the lyrics, “It’s a wonder at all that I’m alive/It’s a wonder at all that I’m still standing,” Michaelson expresses strong emotions from what could have been a previous relationship.
“Do It Now” reminds us of the optimistic Michaelson who we all know and love. But, this is one of few tracks like this on the entire CD.
“I’m Through” is another break-up song on her album. Contradicting her previous track, “Do It Now,” this soft and soothing song is written about someone giving up on their current infatuation.
“Blood Brothers” sounds like something meant to be in a TV or film soundtrack. An unwritten movie montage replays in my head as I listen to this track. Ace.
The next track, “Black and Blue,” is a sassy tune about falling in love with someone who doesn’t exactly have mutual feelings. Can’t we all relate?
“Ribbons” brings a positive vibe to the CD as the female vocalist sings about a simple object and relates it to her current situation. Regina Spektor would be proud.
“How We Love” is an intimate song about love and spark. The song opens and closes with a single acoustic guitar and really brings out Michaelson’s indie voice.
My favorite track on “Human Again” is “Palm of Your Hand.” This rock-feel tune was the inspiration for the title of this album as “human again” is mentioned within the lyrics.
The piano-led ballad, “Ghost,” was Michaelson’s first single for this album. This sad song is about the empty feeling that comes with heartbreak. I get the feeling that Michaelson has had her fair share of heartbreak since this track follows the pattern and general mood of the album.
“In the Sea” begins with drum beats and electronic sounds that seem modern from the Michaelson I have become used to, but nonetheless, I like it.
“Keep Warm,” is a sweet song with an alternate mood from most of the emotional misery-filled tracks on the CD.
The lyrics “and it’s cold outside but I’m just fine/you are mine to keep warm,” are well-written words anyone would like to hear being sung to them.
“End of the World” appropriately completes the album with a nice conclusion of ending up together with the one she sings about throughout the entire album.
This album speaks to many who have felt some type of emotional heartbreak and the feeling of loving someone.
Michaelson reconnects with not only herself through her lyrics and music, but her fans also.
After being discovered on MySpace in 2007 for her quirky mello music, Michaelson reveals in “Human Again” that she has grown both in her career and in years.
The “Be OK” singer has definitely developed her knack for meaningful music over the years.
Michaelson’s return since her 2009 album, “Everybody,” promises touring this spring.
This 13-track album proves that Michaelson is growing up and seeing music, life and love in new perspectives.
Sputnik Music reported that Michaelson wanted this album to prove that she isn’t a kid anymore, and said she described the album as “stepping across a boundary.”
Though I believe that she did that, I can’t say that I’m not a little disappointed in her overall lyrical tone.
I’m still adapting to this new adult Michaelson.
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