Michaelson’s fifth album “Human Again”, released on Jan. 24 by Cabin 24 Records, reveals a darker side to the lighthearted artist. It seems to channel the part of Ingrid Michaelson that covered Radiohead’s “Creep” throughout the entire album, with low and raw vocals. Gone are the strictly acoustic tracks, replaced with a selection of songs that reveal a deep internal struggle, punctuated with percussion and fast tempos. It starts with a boldly upbeat song titled “Fire,” which completely shatters any expectations of Michaelson delivering a mild album. Right from the start, Michaelson makes it clear that she is breaking from the mold of her own artistic expectations. And the songs only get more varied.
Though Michaelson’s previous albums certainly encompassed laments about broken hearts, her new songs bring heartache to a new level with songs like “In the Sea”: “No no don’t rescue me / I like the salt water sting / it feels so good to feel / it feels so good just to feel something.” Though her low wailing tones get a little too dramatic at times, her new style is refreshingly mature. The lyrics convey a quiet desperation underscored by drums and electric guitar, and the complexity of the track shows how very different she is from the girl who sang the overplayed and over-chipper song “Everybody.”
However, However, Michaelson’s signature indie style, which we all know and love, is still present in tracks like “Blood Brother,” which balances out the bleaker songs with a happier message. She sings that we are all “blood brothers,” preaching a message of equality that is somewhat cliché but still enjoyable. The catchy melody and uplifting lyrics bring to mind the other, lighter, side of Michaelson. Though most of her album is radically different from previous albums like “Be Ok,” “Blood Brother” reminds listeners that she is not reinventing her musical style — just improving it.
Though ardent supporters of light indie ballads may despair at Michaelson’s new style, “Human Again” is definitely an intriguing glimpse into Michaelson’s musical capability for diversity. It’s raw and fresh — a pleasant surprise that isn’t overly sweet.
