There’s a nervous energy to the relationship narratives Ingrid Michaelson sings on her new full-length,
Human Again — producer David Kahne has added taut string arrangements to a set of songs about how love goes wrong. A New York native, Michaelson gained fame in 2007 with “The Way I Am,” a tune that became part of an Old Navy commercial. For
Human Again, Michaelson puts muscle into her vocals and lets her experimental side take over. If your idea of a good time is a mall-friendly but still weird combination of bubblegum pop, Philip Glass and folkie melodies,
Human Again fits the bill perfectly. “Do It Now” is eccentrically shaped, while “Ghost” is an interesting example of orchestral pop. Michaelson has a gift for the hook: “Ribbons” and “Blood Brothers” will have you coming back for a second listen. If there must be minimalist bubblegum, this will do nicely.
— Edd Hurt