You can usually tell when a musician grew up with both parents being artistic as well. The child grows up writing in a diary and someday turns those poems into songs. This is the case for our lovely Ingrid Michaelson, as she continues through the music world as another "indie pop girl-who-escaped-to-New York-to-make-it-big".
Her latest effort showcases the singer/songwriter's rawest emotion yet, especially with the somber whimper of I'm Through. Within the ballad, Michaelson tells us of a lost love, but with no remorse. I'll always know you were the one/ To rip me from the ground/ It's all because of you that I'm through, she cries with the assorted orchestra backing her. And with no sort of transition, the next story off the album, Blood Brothers, preaches that we're all the same. The uplifting feel the progression of this song has, makes this one stand out as a casual "go-to" track for those looking for that anti-world-depression drug.
The lead single, Ghost, has Michaelson desperately wanting to express that she is a lost soul, and may not be able to find herself again. With fancy vocal embellishments and innocent attitude, there isn't a whole lot else that makes the music very interesting to listen to. Perhaps the sweetest track off Human Again could be Keep Warm. This track could be the staple for any Hollywood romantic cult-classic movie. Here we have a soothing melody that actually warms your heart, as well as enchanting additions from the backing orchestra, much like what Ray Charles' "Georgia on my Mind" did for our hearts. However, Michaelson has a long way to go before we can consider her as soulful as she has the potential to be.
Without any sort of consistency, the album as a whole lacks a certain flow. Going from a reluctant heartbreak to a cherished one so quickly can be hard on our conscious; as humans, we need time to heal. Keep in mind that although the songs are well constructed, Ms. Michaelson may have to work a bit harder to differentiate her vocal demeaner. We want her to really show us that at the end of the world, we can still find someone to leave this place together.
RATING: 5/10
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