Cuts like the bluesy, handclap-heavy "Warpath" and the similarly fiery "Time Machine," with its '90s-esque sax samples, are more emblematic of the album's ambitious, empowered tone. While there are a few of Michaelson's trademark intimate breakup songs here, including the tear-inducing "Open Hands," overall the album reveals Michaelson to be in a bright, upbeat state of mind. Michaelson even reunites with longtime collaborator Dan Romer for the epic ballad "Over You," featuring A Great Big World. This time out, Michaelson has enlisted a handful of producers who include, among others, her bandmate bassist Chris Kuffner, Jacquire King ( Modest Mouse, Norah Jones), and singer/songwriter Katie Herzig. Michaelson even seems to reference that album with her Lights Out lead single, the infectious "Girls Chase Boys." However, where Girls and Boys centered around Michaelson's intimate ukulele and acoustic guitar-driven dorm room pop, Lights Out features a broadened sonic palette and a much more robust vocal performance it's a transformation she's been perfecting since 2009's Everybody and 2012's Human Again. I am absolutely certain I will be purchasing tickets for Michaelson’s “Lights Out” tour this summer, and I’m looking forward to seeing both Old and New Ingrid take the stage.Ingrid Michaelson's sixth studio album, 2014's Lights Out, is a polished, well-produced effort that magnifies all of the sounds and lyrical themes she's been working with since breaking through with 2007's Girls and Boys. Ultimately, Michaelson’s lyrics about love and self-identity accompanied her flawless harmonies to create a well-balanced new album. By the end of the album, I came to appreciate the way her new sound offset the more laid back songs I’m used to.
My initial concern of having to find a new artist to turn to for relatable and relaxing tunes was put to rest, as Michaelson once again did not disappoint. The barebones music video is exactly what was needed to assure old fans that Michaelson wasn’t completely changing.
She shot and edited the video herself, with footage taken from a walk through her Brooklyn neighborhood. The song with Laswell, “Wonderful Unknown,” had been released in February with a music video. Michaelson’s album includes multiple collaborations, including songs with A Great Big World, Storyman, Mat Kearney, Trent Dabbs, and husband Greg Laswell. A Great Big World) have more similarities to old classics like “The Chain” and “Keep Breathing.” However, similarities to her old album, Everybody, gave me hope that some of the old Ingrid remained. Mat Kearney), I feared Michaelson had walked out of the quaint coffee shop and into center sweltering spotlight with upbeat and heavily instrumental accompanied pieces. Even her single, “Girls Chase Boys”- which sounds a bit more auto-tuned and dance party inspired than I’d expect- had me singing along after just the third listen.Īfter hearing singles “Time Machine,” and “One Night Town” (ft. While changing what was already perfect seems a bit risky, I think Michaelson pulled it off effortlessly. However, Michaelson took some risks with her new songs by dropping her typically acoustic sound and giving fans a new vibe to enjoy.
The tone given off by Michaelson’s new album Lights Out (released April 15) is no different. Hercathartic lyrics have a cathartic quality that make listeners feel as if they were listening to songs written about their own lives. Ingrid Michaelson’s voice emits an essence that can instantly put her listener in a better mood. Ingrid Michaelson’s new album showcases shifting sound