Local Review: EJ Michels — Strange World

EJ Michels
Strange World
Self-Released
Street: 02.06.2026
EJ Michels = AJR + Barns Courtney + Hozier

The sonic footprint of Strange World is low piano, hard beats, vocal dexterity and cathartic lyrics. EJ Michels describes his third album as music “for sensitive hearts in a strange world,” and that intention exudes from the emotions carried by the songs. The lyrics aren’t your typical lovelorn pop or party shouts, and each song has an explicit message.

Michels’ voice sounds like a cross between the brothers of AJR and Hozier, meshing nicely into the style of pop he’s going for. The addictive beats are all there, as are the dynamics and the medley of electric and acoustic instruments. Fans of Imagine Dragons need to listen to Strange World right now, because they’ll find more of the thematic and musical resonance they enjoy from songs like “Demons.”

Each song has such a different personality, but they’re all siblings. The album starts out with the swinging, rhythmic “Palindrome” and maintains that catchy and danceable personality throughout the songs until the title track plays. That’s when Michels really sits down and serves you some raw, emotional vulnerability. “Strange World” opens with a lyrical hard-hitter: “I hope you’re healing from what you don’t talk about / the hurt you keep inside and cover with a smile. / We all have closets that we’re scared to open up / the side we keep to ourselves.” The song builds to a satisfying crest of melody, combining with the words to create a truly authentic piece of art.

The slower, ballad-like style continues for the next few tracks, almost creating a mini-story within the larger story of the album and continuing to pack in those honest lyrics. “Fake A Smile” features vocalist Natalie Nicole, and her harmony with Michels enhances the aching lyrics as they sing, “All eyes on me as I pretend to be okay for the world,” and “I say I’m all right / What a stupid lie.” Don’t listen to this one in the car with your friends unless you’re ready to have an intense heart-to-heart.

The most romantic song by far is “Alone With You.” The element that makes this song is — you guessed it — the authentic lyrics. It’s about feeling completely yourself when you’re with your person and the connection that comes from deep talks and understanding. I can imagine people using this as a wedding song; it reaches that level of melodic, heartfelt sentiment.

The other side of the “Alone With You” romance coin is the subsequent track, “Billionaire,” which brings back the heavier, faster beats from the start of the album. The romance moves to the dance floor, and Michels sings, “Nothin’ better, nothin’ richer / In your arms there’s nothing better.” Turns out true riches have nothing to do with money.

“Changes” sticks out on the album because it has a gospel feel with a bright chorus of voices and clapping in the background. The change in tone and style is executed well as Michels adapts his iconic piano and beats to fit it. The uplifting tone continues into the final track, “Stars (We Got Love),” which is the song most made for dancing. It has a fair bit of funk and celebratory lyrics: “We got love / we feel good, and that’s enough.” It’s a fitting finale to the album, ending on a high note in a culmination of all the emotions that led us here.

I’m curious how the album would have felt if the songs were more alternated, rather than filling the middle with a pool of sonorous rawness the listener must dive into if they’re to reach the brighter shore. The effect certainly wouldn’t have been the same. It feels like a hero’s journey, and I always enjoy a story element in music.

The authenticity here is to be applauded. There’s such a range of feeling in these songs as Michels takes us from uncertainty to insecurity to sadness to love and to hopeful celebration. Strange World is an honest and uplifting collection of resonant songs, both musically and thematically. It’s bound to give people a hopeful feeling of being seen and understood, along with the insatiable itch to get up and dance. —Rebekah Bowman

Read more music reviews by Rebekah Bowman:
Local Review: Flamingo — Pink Paradise
Local Review: meg jordan ― Miss Hippie

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