Known for her straightforward and light-hearted lyrics—including “I’d buy you Rogaine, when you start losing all your hair”—Ingrid Michaelson reveals a new side of her music in her latest release, Human Again. Aptly titled, Human Again keeps with the nature of her honest lyrics while experimenting more musically than she has in previous albums. Though the album resonates with a sound that is distinctly “Ingrid,” Michaelson moves away from her typically ukulele-driven melodies and toward more serious and emotional ballads that reflect the depth—and the limits—of her repertoire.
With the new breadth and maturing that she brings throughout Human Again, Michaelson is the first to acknowledge that she has outgrown the singer-songwriter persona she once established with the background music for Mott’s Apple Juice campaigns and as the featured artist on many a Grey’s Anatomy soundtrack.
In breaking away from her commercial sound, Michaelson begins Human Again with a strong leading track, “Fire,” which sets the pace and mature feeling of the album. The song picks up immediately with an intriguing string intro, which leads into Michaelson’s catchy melody and lyrics. (Klonopin) The emotional nature she hopes to communicate through “Fire” is echoed throughout the album in a new orchestral sound, which grounds many tracks.
This string-driven base is best exemplified in “Ghost,” with a haunting melody, heartfelt lyrics, and wistful vocals. “Palm of the Hand” also stands out, as a foot-tapping drumbeat frames this witty anti-love song.
However, in seeking to break away from the light, ukulele sound she is best known for, Michaelson also seems to meet her limits on Human Again. Lacking in both lyrical and musical substance, “How We Love” and “Black and Blue” stand out as some of her more forgettable efforts.
As its emotionally driven tracks ebb and flow in their strength and memorable character, Human Again fails to sustain itself from beginning to end. Michaelson gets caught somewhere between loveable and clichéd, unable to shake off her typecast.
Voice’s Choices: “Fire,” “Ghost”
