What makes Lights Out by Ingrid Michaelson notable?

Lights Out debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, highlighting Michaelson's commercial appeal. The lead single, Girls Chase Boys, gained significant radio play and attention for its themes of gender dynamics and empowerment, solidifying her position in the contemporary pop landscape. Released in early 2014, Lights Out marked Ingrid Michaelson's fifth studio album, showcasing her evolution after the breakout success of 2012's Human Again. By this time, she had established herself as a staple in indie pop, further refining her sound and lyrical depth while embracing new production techniques.

Who is Lights Out for?

Lights Out works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective moments, catchy melodies for sing-alongs and introspective themes for quiet nights.

How many songs are on Lights Out?

Lights Out has 14 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Lights Out

Ingrid Michaelson · 2014

54 min · 14 tracks · folk music

A blend of introspective lyrics and lush melodies, merging folk sensibilities with pop accessibility.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Girls Chase Boys — This track stands out for its catchy chorus and subversive lyrics that challenge traditional gender roles, making it a signature anthem for empowerment.
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Home — Opening the album with warmth and nostalgia, this track encapsulates Michaelson's ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with memorable melodies.
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Wonderful Unknown — A reflective piece that showcases Michaelson's lyrical maturity, exploring themes of uncertainty and hope against a backdrop of rich instrumentation.
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Time Machine — This song highlights Michaelson's playful side while cleverly addressing the desire to revisit past moments, combining whimsical lyrics with an upbeat melody.

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 blends catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrics, though it doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with prominent hooks, while the second half shifts to more introspective themes and slower tempos.
Several songs incorporate layered vocal harmonies that build in intensity, particularly in the choruses.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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 mid-tempo reflective moments
catchy melodies for sing-alongs
introspective themes for quiet nights
warm sound for cozy settings
uplifting anthems for group enjoyment

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy tracks
prefer standalone singles

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in early 2014, Lights Out marked Ingrid Michaelson's fifth studio album, showcasing her evolution after the breakout success of 2012's Human Again. By this time, she had established herself as a staple in indie pop, further refining her sound and lyrical depth while embracing new production techniques.
Stylistic neighbors: Sara Bareilles· Kate Voegele· Birdy