''Human Again'' is the fourth studio album by the American singer-songwriter

Ingrid Michaelson Ingrid Ellen Michaelson (born December 8, 1979) is an American singer-songwriter and actress. Her first album, '' Slow the Rain,'' was released in 2005, and she has since released eight more albums: '' Girls and Boys,'' '' Be OK'', '' Everybody' ...

. The album was released on January 24, 2012, by Cabin 24 Records and

Mom + Pop Music Mom + Pop Music is a New York City-based independent record label whose current roster includes Courtney Barnett, Madeon, Tom Morello, Porter Robinson, Tycho, Tash Sultana, Sunflower Bean, Beach Bunny, Caamp, Del Water Gap and more. Founder an ...

. The first single from the album, "Ghost", was released on November 15, 2011.

Background

In a 2011 interview, Michaelson spoke about the album, saying, "It's coming along really well. We were hoping to have everything done by now, and we're not at all done. I keep writing more songs, so that's kind of a good thing, because I keep creating new things, and that's what's halting the process, because we have to go in and record that song. It's been a long, arduous process, but the harder you work on something, the prouder you are of it." On Tuesday, November 15, Michaelson announced the release date, as well as the album's first single, "Ghost", and unveiled the cover artwork. The cover artwork was painted by

Joe Sorren Joe Sorren (born 1970 in Chicago) grew up in Arizona and began painting in 1991. Two years later he earned a BFA from Northern Arizona University. His artwork has appeared in various publications, including ''The New Yorker'', ''Time'' and ''Rol ...

specifically for the album. Michaelson promoted the album by going on tour in spring 2012. She also performed live on the

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual parade in New York City presented by the U.S.-based department store chain Macy's. The Parade first took place in 1924, tying it for the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States with ...

. The title of the album comes from the lyrics of the song "Palm of Your Hand", in which Michaelson sings, "You make me/wanna be a human again/Can I be your only human again."

Promotion

Michaelson made several television appearances to promote the album. She appeared on ''

Live! with Kelly ''Live with Kelly and Ryan'' (or simply ''Live'') is an American syndicated morning talk show hosted by Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest. Executive produced by Michael Gelman, the ''Live with...'' show formula has aired under various hosts since ...

'' performing "Ghost", on the

performing "Blood Brothers" and on '' Conan'' performing "Blood Brothers" and "Ghost". In support of the album, she went on the ''Human Again'' tour, performing on several legs across America as well as in Europe and Australia.

Critical reception

''Human Again'' received positive reviews, and holds a 70-point score on ''Metacritic'', which aggregates reviews into average scores out of 100, indicating a positive reception. ''Entertainment Weekly'' gave the album 83 out of 100. Review website ''Consequence of Sound'' gave the album 3 1/2 out of 5 stars, saying that Michaelson's "vocal abilities are as strong as ever". ''AllMusic'' gave the album 4 out of 5 stars. ''Consider'' magazine gave the album a score of 8 out of 10.

Track listing

All songs written and composed by Ingrid Michaelson.

Personnel

David Kahne David Kahne is an American record producer, musician, composer, and former record company executive. Professional career Kahne started his musical career as a working musician and soon became Director of A&R for America's first punk and new ...

- guitar, bass, keyboards * Chris Kuffner - bass guitar, guitar, tenor guitar * Elliot Jacobson - drums * Rusty Anderson - guitar * Shawn Pelton - drums ("Black and Blue", "Ghost") * Allie Moss - backing vocals ("Blood Brothers", "In The Sea") * Bess Rogers - backing vocals ("Blood Brothers", "In The Sea") *

Jason Slater Jason C. Slater (March 8, 1971 – December 9, 2020) was an American record producer, songwriter and musician. He is best known for being the founding bassist and backup vocalist for the American rock band Third Eye Blind from 1993 to 1994. Fol ...

- additional programming ("Black and Blue") * Che Pope - additional programming ("Black and Blue")

Charts

References

External links

* {{Authority control 2012 albums Ingrid Michaelson albums Vertigo Records albums Albums produced by David Kahne Mom + Pop Music albums