Ingrid Michaelson’s new album “Lights Out” is a revolutionary one. Released April 15, this album, based on a breakup, forces the typical heartbreak albums out of the way.
Michaelson, indie-pop songwriter, is known for hit songs “You and I,” “The Way I Am” and “Be OK.” Though relationships are not a new subject for her, this album recreates the way her listeners can relate to Michaelson. In an age of computer manipulation, overdone electronic sounds, repetitive lyrics and overly-produced synthetic beats, “Lights Out” brings it back to the basics in the best possible way.
If you have not heard the first-released single “Girls Chase Boys” yet, prepare to soon. The chorus is the kind of foot-stomping, hand-clapping, feel-good beat that is impossible to stop singing. Michaelson’s voice is throaty yet alluring, and despite the intended subject matter, the lyrics are inspired and uplifting.
On her website, Michaelson mentions that the song was inspired by a break-up but took on a life of its own as she decided to challenge the stereotype that “girls chase boys” and turn it into something only she could pull off;an uplifting heartbreak ballad.
The lyrics “I’m a little bit down, but I’m not dead” and “It’s easy to forgive, but hard to forgive” speak to the original inspiration, but the happy beat of the song will keep you humming the entire time. “I’ve got two hands / One beating heart / I’ll be alright / I’m gonna be alright” speaks to the moment of clarity and strength realized often after a fresh breakup, and Michaelson challenges the idea of heartbreak, crooning, “Let’s not make it harder than it has to be.”
Two other tracks worth mentioning, titled “Wonderful Unknown” and “Afterlife,” speak to Michaelson’s maturity and versatility as an artist. In “Wonderful Unknown,” the morose piano in the background and the themes of love, loss and uncertainty complement Michaelson’s delicate and haunting vocals.
This is the kind of slow, enchanting song to be played on a rainy day or during a walk in the woods. The atmospheric feel pulls the listener in and does not let go. “In the best way,” lulls Michaelson, “You’ll be the death of me.” Although this song seems to be the opposite of “Girls Chase Boys,” the two somehow flow cohesively in spite of the differences in beat.
Additionally, “Afterlife” takes on a persona of its own, fitting somewhere between “Wonderful Unknown” and “Girls Chase Boys.” It falls under the same category as Michaelson’s previous hit “You and I,” the kind of mesmerizing, rhythmic soft-pop hit that Michaelson has mastered. It challenges the idea that break-up ballads must be sappy, and Michaelson’s voice lends an innovative edge in lyrics such as “We’ve got the fight in us / We’re gonna live tonight like there’s no tomorrow / Because we’re the afterlife.”
This is the kind of album that can only come from an artist who is completely comfortable with herself. Unassuming but charming, Michaelson’s charisma and talent shine through in this simple but beautiful album. Fans of Michaelson will see the artist’s maturity, creativity and personal growth reflected in “Lights Out.” If Michaelson’s personal growth continues this way, fans should expect a bright future ahead.
