After listening to Ingrid Michaelson’s most recent full-length release "Everybody," I am not surprised to find that her music has been used for years on television on shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Scrubs and One Tree Hill. But don’t hold that against her.

There is a definite ‘pensive narrative over final scene’ feel to a few of the tracks featuring on "Everybody," including the title track, ‘Soldier’ and ‘Locked Up,’ but these are dispersed with more unique numbers that are more folksy and less commercial, such as ‘Are We There Yet?’ and ‘Men of Snow.’

First single from the album, ‘Maybe’ is the final track on the listing, but definitely the right choice as lead single, as the song is a simple yet infectious pop tune. I like that Michaelson has rejected releasing the title track as the lead single, especially in this case, as ‘Everybody’ seems much too simple and more like a children’s song, with the lyrics ”Everybody wants to love, everybody wants to be loved.” Not her finest work, no matter how true it may be.

The stand out track for me is ‘Incredible Love.’ The soulful pace to the song and Michaelson’s measured vocals are a testament to her natural talent as a songwriter. Michaelson is known around town for her poignant and meaningful lyrics, and this song really showcases her ability to write an honest and genuine set of words “I never thought I'd fall so far down / This incredibly long dark hole / Something so sweet as the sound of your feet on the floor / Would give me more room to breathe”.

The only thing that truly annoyed me with this album, wasn’t actually anything to do with the music. It’s the damn cover-shot. What, dear Lord, were the innumerable amount of people that would have okayed this shot thinking!? Surely the budget at least allowed for a hairdresser?

"Everybody" is a fine album. Fine, like when you answer someone asking you how you are without actually listening to the question. I would describe "Everybody" as vacantly listenable. I didn’t need to be in a specific mood to put the album on, nor did it change my mood in any way. Well, actually, it kind of made me want to watch something, anything, starring Zach Braff.

Everybody tracklist:
1 Soldier
2 Everybody
3 Are We There Yet
4 Sort Of
5 Incredible Love
6 The Chain
7 Mountain And The Sea
8 Men Of Snow
9 So Long
10 Once Was Love
11 Locked Up
12 Maybe

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Ingrid Michaelson : Home : New album "Everybody" available now!