Reading Time: 2 min read

Ingrid Michaelson, It Doesn't Have to Make Sense © Cabin 24

4 out of 5 stars

Ingrid Michaelson just might have a hit on her hands – a legit commercial hit.  That’s the vibe that “Hell No” gives off from the first listen.  It screams pop hit – in addition to its baby profanity of course (is hell even really a cuss word, really).

Anyways, here’s the deal. After listening to “Hell No” the first time, you won’t stop listening to it because it’s infectious and therefore you’ll be screaming “Hell Yes” in response to “Hell No.”  That was a mouthful, but the point is Ingrid dear, you have something here! So, why precisely is Ingrid saying hell no? She’s not going to take Greg Laswell him back (they’re divorced btw)! Is “Hell No” dark? Nope. To reiterate, it pop at its most carefree and fun.  Is this Michaelson’s “So What” (P!nk)? Yes.

“Hell No” is actually the first single from her forthcoming album, It Doesn’t Have to Make Sense, which arrives at the end of August.  The current single is “Light Me Up,” which also happens to be the opener.  Is it as fun like “Hell No” – hell no it’s not! But, it’s not intended to be; Michaelson is paying ode to her late mother.  There are few words, but the words used are beautiful, which the chorus being simple, yet empowering: “Light me up again.”

Both songs foreshadow that It Doesn’t Have to Make Sense should be an exciting, epic album.  Authenticity goes a long way and it’s certainly the case on both “Hell No” and “Light Me Up.” Of course “Hell No” is the personal favorite, but “Light Me Up” has more substance.

Ingrid Michaelson • It Doesn’t Have to Make Sense • Cabin 24 • Release: 8.26.16
Photo Credit: Cabin 24

the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.