Published on Thursday, October 16, 2008

music

Ingrid Michaelson delivers in follow-up album


By NYSSA BULKES
Last updated on 00/00/0000 at 12:00 a.m.

Michaelson is back as today’s epitome of the female singer/songwriter.

Whimsical and known for quirky lyrics, Michaelson’s latest album, “Be OK,” immediately evokes memories of her 2007 album “Girls and Boys”. The album opens up with the title track of the album: a bouncy, repetitive number where the singer professes her need for simple things, “I just want to be OK, be OK, be OK / I just want to be OK today.”

Next comes “Giving Up,” which is a series of acoustic guitar and simple lyrics. While it’s a cute song, it loses the energy built up by “Be OK,” It’s sweet, but it would have been better suited later in the album.

After this, Michaelson covers “Over the Rainbow.” This song has been covered more times than “Happy Birthday.” Michaelson’s version is girly and sounds like a younger version of herself playing on her mother’s guitar. She can’t quite get some of the higher notes and, at times, sounds more like a wacked-out Regina Spektor,taking more liberty with the melody than she should near the bridge.

The listener should best skip to “The Chain,” which sounds more like Michaelson at her 28 years of age. This song has a particular musical theater quality to it. Recorded live from New York City’s Webster Hall, the song is charmingly different. The artist integrates her trademark vocals and guitar with an expertly composed round of harmonies.

“Lady in Spain,” takes a folksy tone, sounding very French with the incorporation of a background accordion. Michaelson brings back harmonies similar to “The Chain,” showing what appears to be a maturing of her style. Her voice and guitar playing are reminiscent of “Girls and Boys,” but she’s experimenting with how to make different musical elements work in her favor.

It’s evident the singer/songwriter has learned a thing or two about her own style. She’s stayed loyal to her sound, but invited new interest with new instruments. She satisfies the pop-happy fans with “Be OK,” and caters to a new, musically appreciative audience with “The Chain,” and “Lady in Spain.”

She’s more than OK today.

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