Human Again cover

Human Again

Ingrid Michaelson · 2012

58 min · 17 tracks · folk music

Ingrid Michaelson's 'Human Again' blends indie pop melodies with introspective lyrics, creating an emotionally rich and melodic soundscape.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Blood Brothers — This track encapsulates the album's themes of connection and resilience through its powerful chorus and emotive storytelling, resonating with listeners seeking solidarity.
  • →
    How We Love — With its lush instrumentation and reflective lyrics about love's complexities, this song stands out as a poignant examination of relationships amidst life's challenges.
  • →
    End of the World — This track combines infectious energy with a playful approach to existential themes, making it an anthem for embracing life's uncertainties with optimism.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album features strong melodies and introspective lyrics but lacks cohesive flow in its running order.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower ballads that shift the emotional tone.
  • Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the melodic richness.
  • The lyrics often explore themes of love and introspection, with a focus on personal experiences and emotional vulnerability.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing for relaxed listening
  • introspective lyrics for reflection
  • mid-tempo flow for easy enjoyment
  • warm melodies for cozy vibes
  • uplifting themes for hopeful moments

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy excitement
  • prefer standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Human Again' was released in January 2012, Ingrid Michaelson had already established herself as a prominent figure in indie pop with hit albums like 'Everybody' (2009). This album marked her fourth studio release and showcased a maturation in her songwriting, incorporating more layered arrangements and deeper thematic explorations compared to her earlier works.
Stylistic neighbors
Sara Bareilles· Kate Voegele· Birdy

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Do It Now

    The bridge shifts into a moment of urgency where the writer urges immediate action towards love and personal connections.

    This structural pivot emphasizes the fleeting nature of time, reinforcing the album's overarching message about seizing opportunities in relationships.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Fire 3:21
  • 2 This Is War 3:19
  • 3 Do It Now 3:17
  • 4 I'm Through 3:27
  • 5 Blood Brothers 3:12
  • 6 Black and Blue 3:37
  • 7 Ribbons 3:27
  • 8 How We Love 3:34
  • 9 Palm of Your Hand 3:12
  • 10 Ghost 4:02
  • 11 In the Sea 3:18
  • 12 Keep Warm 3:19
  • 13 End of the World 3:48
  • 14 Live It with Love 3:03
  • 15 Blood Brothers (home recording) 3:07
  • 16 Ribbons (home recording) 3:10
  • 17 End of the World (live From 2011 ASCAP Expo) 4:10

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata