On August 26th Ingrid Michaelson finally released her highly anticipated new album, “It Doesn’t Have to Make Sense.” This album carries a large amount of heartbreak—from the death of her mother to her divorce with Greg Laswell. In fact, the sentiment of the title derives directly from her struggle to understand the depth of these recent losses. The title signifies her realization that loss doesn’t always make sense in the way one wishes it would.
With regards to her album as a whole, it is by no means a radical or revolutionary change from her previous ones. However, there is a fundamental shift in the themes and significance behind each song. While Michaelson is typically known for her catchy love songs such as “Little Romance” and “The Way I Am,” this album carries a lot more grief within it. If you’re used to her more energetic tunes, be prepared for a slight shift to a more reflective and meditative type of music.
1. Light Me Up
Initial Reaction: Meh.
Reminiscent of a more melodic version of “Afterlife,” I found “Light Me Up” to be a rather disappointing beginning to the album. It was slightly too repetitive and too auto-tuned for my taste. “Light Me Up” just didn’t have the soul or punch that Michaelson typically employs. However, Michaelson claims she chose “Light Me Up” as the first track to her album since it was the first song she wrote for “It Doesn’t Have To Make Sense”—a mere nine days after the death of her mother.
2. Whole Lot of Heart
Initial Reaction: Still not impressed.
At this point in the album, I was still reluctant to give the album a stellar review. “Whole Lot of Heart” was rather repetitive and dull. And while Michaelson often has a central lyric repeated quite frequently, it seemed to conform to the single-line direction the radio has been taking lately—and it made me fear the worst.
3. Miss America
Initial Reaction: Preach it, Ingrid!!
I love love love this song! “Miss America” focuses on the issue of unrealistic body expectations shown by the media. “I don’t need a crown to make me a queen.” “There’s so many ways to be beautiful.” Michaelson once again reminds girls to be proud of who they are—and reminds her fans precisely why they adore her.
4. Another Life
Initial Reaction: This is kinda eerie and creepy sounding…do I love this or hate this? I’m so conflicted
With a drumbeat that sounds like an underlying heartbeat, “Another Life” has a somber and almost eerie feel to it. I’m torn between loving the wispy quality of her voice and hating how slow the song is. It reminds me slightly of her song “Everyone is Gonna Love Me Now” from her last album—and I have yet to figure out whether that is good or bad.
5. I Remember Her
Initial Reaction: I think I found my next cry-in-the-shower jam
Michaelson has once again broken the hearts of thousands of listeners with her sweet yet sad lyrics. As her voice break with sadness recalling past memories with her mother who passed away, the listener feels the need to cry right along with her. This song will make audiences want to run to their mothers, hug them, and tell them how much they love their moms—before it’s too late.
6. Drink You Gone
Initial Reaction: Why is this album so sad?? I need something to make me remember what happiness feels like.
In this song, Michaelson reveals her struggle to forget her former husband and lover, Greg Laswell. The lyric “how do broken hearts get strong” bares the wounds that Michaelson carries from her previous marriage. It’s heart-wrenching and exactly what a listener would expect on a post-divorce album.
7. Hell No
Initial Reaction: THIS IS MY JAM!!
Hell No is by far the catchiest song in Ingrid Michaelson’s entire new album. It’s all too easy to blast this in the car and sing it until you lungs hurt. Plus, who doesn’t want the excuse to scream the words, “HELL NO!”
This song was written explicitly about Michaelson’s recent divorce from her former tour-mate, Greg Laswell. When Michaelson states “I should of known better, I saw her wearing your sweater,” the heat from that burn could almost be physically felt. This bitter vindictive Ingrid is a little scary, but mostly really really fun.
8. Still the One
Initial Reaction: This album keeps getting better and better!
It’s hard not to snap along and tap your feet the moment this song starts to play. While “It Doesn’t Have To Make Sense” started slow and unoriginal, Michaelson certainly knows how to end her album with a bang. Few would be surprised if this song made the next appearance on the radio, right after “Hell No” had its amazing debut.
9. Celebrate
Initial Reaction: I could totally dance to this [that is, if I could dance].
“Celebrate” sucks the listener into a retro party with crazy dance moves and lots of fun. Michaelson creates this scene with giddy laughter and a joyful chorus. At the end of the song, the instruments die out; leaving only the happy partiers left shouting the chorus. This truly is “the music that makes me better.” Definitely the perfect pump-it-up song.
10. Old Days
Initial Reaction: Ingrid, I will forever love you. Thank you for gracing us with your talent.
I felt chills crawl up and down my body as the piano entered slowly, and then rushed forth. Michaelson has a way of incorporating emotions into her songs in a way that few other artists can. Whether it’s the emotional break in her voice, the rise and fall of instruments, or some other magic, Michaelson captivated me from start to finish with this final heartbreaking song.
Overall, Michaelson has once again managed to create an album similar enough to her previous albums to be comforting, all the while making it still fresh and enjoyable. Despite her hard year, Michaelson has managed to take her pain and turn it into art. Kudos to Michaelson for yet another brilliant album bestowed upon us.
