Album Review: Ingrid Michaelson - Lights Out

Lights Out strikes out and hits you square across the chops from the first beat. An eclectic cluster of styles and influences, Michaelson uses epic choral melodies, thundering rhythms, synth overlays and electronic snaps, with more additional instrumentation than The Beatles moving modern pop sensibilities to the forefront. It seems impossible, but the New York singer-songwriter doesn't like to keep anything in the background. Fortunately the record is as delicate and soothing as it is weighty and bombastic, and plays more like a stadium show. Lyrically playful and none too serious, Lights Out will brighten up the winter.