My Name Is Michael Holbrook
Mika · 2019
46 min · 13 tracks · alternative rock
A vibrant mosaic of pop exuberance, blending introspective lyrics with bright melodies and theatrical flair.
Top tracks — play these first
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Tiny Love — This track encapsulates the album's theme of vulnerability and longing through its delicate melody and heartfelt lyrics, making it an emotional centerpiece.
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Dear Jealousy — Offering a candid exploration of personal conflict, this song's upbeat tempo contrasts with its introspective lyrics, showcasing Mika's knack for blending lightness with deeper themes.
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I Went to Hell Last Night — This track stands out for its bold narrative style, where Mika openly discusses his struggles and experiences, further highlighting his artistic evolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends vibrant pop with introspective themes, showcasing strong songwriting and production choices.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more introspective songs.
- Several tracks incorporate theatrical elements, such as dramatic shifts in dynamics and vocal delivery, particularly in 'I Went to Hell Last Night'.
- The album includes recurring motifs, such as the use of piano and strings, which create a cohesive sound throughout the various styles presented.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- theatrical storytelling with charm
- steady pacing for easy listening
- vibrant songs for uplifting moods
- playful anthems for sing-alongs
- intimate moments with emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer aggressive, fast-paced tracks
- seek purely instrumental experiences
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality and emotional depth in Mika's evolving sound.
- Themes
- personal storytelling· theatrical self-exploration· vulnerability in love
- Career context
- By the time 'My Name Is Michael Holbrook' was released in January 2019, Mika had established himself as a prominent pop artist following his breakthrough debut album 'Life in Cartoon Motion' in 2007. This fifth studio album marked a return to personal storytelling after a period of relative quiet since his last release in 2015, reflecting a mature perspective on love and identity.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Scissor Sisters· Empire of the Sun· Darren Hayes
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Dear Jealousy
The narrator reflects on envy as a destructive force that threatens relationships, switching from self-critique to empowerment.
This shift not only reveals the complexity of emotions but also emphasizes resilience, showcasing Mika's skill in navigating difficult themes.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Tiny Love 4:05
- 2 Ice Cream 2:47
- 3 Dear Jealousy 3:47
- 4 Paloma 3:43
- 5 Sanremo 3:24
- 6 Tomorrow 3:50
- 7 Ready to Call This Love 3:50
- 8 Cry 3:18
- 9 Platform Ballerinas 2:47
- 10 I Went to Hell Last Night 3:49
- 11 Blue 3:10
- 12 Stay High 3:30
- 13 Tiny Love (reprise) 4:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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