I was in Target the other day browsing new CDs when I saw Ingrid Michaelson’s Girls and Boys and I bought it blind because the price was right. Don’t you just love when that cheap CD you pick up turns into your new favorite? Seriously, this CD hasn’t left my player. I feel sorry for the people I work with because not only do they have to listen to it over and over, they also get to hear me singing along.
If Ingrid Michaelson's name doesn’t sound familiar, you might recognize her music from Grey’s Anatomy or a commercial for Old Navy sweaters that ran this last winter. I remember the commercial and thinking that the song was really great, but I never put any effort into finding out who the artist was. If you don’t know the name you might be one of the few, since she recently appeared on the cover of Billboard magazine and was on with Conan O’Brien.
The music and lyrics of Girls and Boys are simple, and Michaelson’s voice shines. The album is fantastic, though there are a few songs that really stand out after you’ve listened to them a few times. Each song rings with true emotion and experience earned the hard way.
A good example of this is “The Hat,” which is one of my least favorite songs on the CD, mostly because it hits a spot that, even after all these years, is still tender. “I remember the first time we danced / I remember tunneling through the snow like ants / What I don’t recall is why I said / “I simply can’t sleep in this tiny bed with you anymore” / I should tell you that you were my first love.”
My favorite song on the whole album is “Die Alone.” It’s the first song and it hits you right away as you’re listening that whatever song comes next will be great, but not as fantastic as this one. “I never thought I could love anyone but myself / Now I know I can’t love anyone but you / You make me think that maybe I won’t die alone / Maybe I won’t die alone.”
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
I encountered this album yesterday, and I know exactly what you mean. It's a new favorite, for sure.