My Name Is Michael Holbrook

Last updated

My Name Is Michael Holbrook
Mika - My Name Is Michael Holbrook.png
Studio album by
Released4 October 2019 (2019-10-04)
Recorded2017–2019 [1]
Genre Pop [2]
Length46:15
Label Republic
Producer
Mika chronology
No Place in Heaven
(2015)
My Name Is Michael Holbrook
(2019)
Que ta tête fleurisse toujours
(2023)
Singles from My Name Is Michael Holbrook
  1. "Ice Cream"
    Released: 31 May 2019
  2. "Tiny Love"
    Released: 16 August 2019
  3. "Sanremo"
    Released: 6 September 2019

My Name Is Michael Holbrook is the fifth studio album by British singer Mika. It was released on 4 October 2019 through Republic Records. The album was promoted in North America with the Tiny Love Tiny Tour at small venues in New York, Montreal, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Mexico City. The album was also supported by a worldwide tour, known as the Revelation Tour, which started in London [3] on 10 November 2019 [4] and extended into the first few months of 2020. It had stops in countries throughout Europe, as well as New Zealand and Australia. The remainder of the tour was cancelled in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contents

Singles

"Ice Cream" was the lead single released from My Name Is Michael Holbrook, on 31 May 2019. [5] A video, directed by Francesco Calabrese and filmed in Barcelona, Spain, was released 27 June 2019. [6] A behind-the-scenes video [7] for the making of the music video and an animated lyric video, were also released for the song. Rolling Stone called the single "summer anthem bait". [5]

"Tiny Love" was released on 16 August 2019, and its video, directed by W.I.Z., featuring Mika and Ronke Arogundade, was released at the same time. [8] According to Billboard magazine, the single is "an ode to the mundane side of love despite the track's grandiose production, sounding like an early-era Queen B-side." [9] The video was shot in London. Mika has said that he wanted to capture the idea that love can feel enormous, "yet at the same time it's so tiny and imperceivable to others." [9]

The single "Sanremo" was released on 6 September 2019. [10] Billboard called the tune "a shimmering pop jam about finding a place just for you and your lover." [11] The video for Sanremo, also directed by W.I.Z., was released on 4 October 2019. Filmed in black-and-white, the short film is set "in an era when homosexuality, if not illegal, was socially unacceptable, a time of discrimination and persecution," says W.I.Z. In the video, a man (Mika) leaves his wife and daughter behind to visit the clandestine spots of a city where he might find a potential gay lover. [12]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [13]
Gigwise Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [14]
PopMatters Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [2]
The Independent Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [15]
The Sydney Morning Herald Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [16]

Upon release, My Name Is Michael Holbrook was met with generally positive reviews. At Album of the Year, an online aggregator that collects reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an average score of 66 out of 100, based on 5 reviews.

Heather Phares from AllMusic commented that "My Name Is Michael Holbrook is never less than witty and genuine -- and much more enjoyable than if he'd tried to fit into someone else's mold". [13] Matty Pywell of Gigwise gave it a positive review, saying that: "Mika is much better whilst basking in the glory of the sun than in the dank undertones of the city". [14] Brice Ezell from PopMatters said "My Name Is Michael Holbrook doesn't deliver a definitive personal statement on Mika's part, and the production works against his creative vision from time to time. But it does offer half a dozen undeniably catchy jams and a reminder that Mika still ranks up there with the best pop artists of our time". [2]

Track listing

Credits adapted from Apple Music. [17]

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Tiny Love"
4:05
2."Ice Cream"
  • Crew
  • Priddy
  • Black
2:46
3."Dear Jealousy"
  • Crew
  • Priddy
  • Moore
3:47
4."Paloma"
  • Penniman Jr.
  • Sneddon
  • Crew
  • Priddy
3:42
5."Sanremo"
  • Penniman Jr.
  • Sneddon
  • Crew
  • Priddy
3:21
6."Tomorrow"Penniman Jr.
  • Crew
  • Priddy
3:49
7."Ready to Call This Love" (featuring Jack Savoretti)
  • Crew
  • Priddy
  • Lorna Blackwood [c]
3:49
8."Cry"
  • Crew
  • Priddy
3:17
9."Platform Ballerinas"
  • Penniman Jr.
  • Wadge
  • Crew
  • Priddy
2:47
10."I Went to Hell Last Night"
  • Penniman Jr.
  • Sneddon
3:48
11."Blue"
  • Penniman Jr.
  • Wadge
Mika 3:09
12."Stay High"
  • Penniman Jr.
  • Crew
  • Priddy
  • Crew
  • Priddy
3:30
13."Tiny Love Reprise"
  • Penniman Jr.
  • Sneddon
  • Jodi Marr
  • Crew
  • Priddy
  • Mitchell Yoshida
4:25
Total length:46:15
Japanese edition bonus tracks [18]  
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
14."Sound of an Orchestra"
  • Penniman Jr.
  • George Flint
  • Henry Flint
  • Crew
  • Priddy
  • Mika
2:59
15."It's My House"Quarmby3:22
Total length:52:45

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2019)Peak
position
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Flanders) [19] 38
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia) [20] 3
Canadian Albums (Billboard) [21] 30
France Albums (SNEP) [22] 6
Italian Albums (FIMI) [23] 10
Japanese Albums (Oricon) [24] 100
Scottish Albums (OCC) [25] 38
Spanish Albums (PROMUSICAE) [26] 28
Swiss Albums (Schweizer Hitparade) [27] 10
UK Albums (OCC) [28] 57
US Billboard 200 [29] 184

Year-end charts

Chart (2019)Position
Belgian Albums (Ultratop Wallonia) [30] 113
French Albums (SNEP) [31] 140

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mika (singer)</span> British-Lebanese singer (born 1983)

Michael Holbrook Penniman Jr., known professionally as Mika, is a singer-songwriter born in Beirut, Lebanon, and raised in Paris and London.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grace Kelly (song)</span> 2007 single by Mika

"Grace Kelly" is a song by British singer Mika. It was released as the lead single from Mika's debut studio album Life in Cartoon Motion (2007) on the 8th January 2007. It was written by Mika alongside Jodi Marr, John Merchant and Dan Warner. The song was produced and mixed by Greg Wells.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Relax, Take It Easy</span> 2007 single by Mika

"Relax, Take It Easy" is the debut single by British singer-songwriter Mika, from his debut album Life in Cartoon Motion. In the UK, it failed to chart upon its original release, but after "Grace Kelly" topped the charts in January 2007, it managed to peak at number 67 on the UK Downloads Chart because of download sales.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mika discography</span>

The discography of Mika, an English pop singer-songwriter, consists of six studio albums, four live albums, two compilation albums, nine extended plays, thirty-six singles, thirty-one music videos, and four video albums. As of 2017, Mika has sold over 20 million records.

<i>The Origin of Love</i> 2012 studio album by Mika

The Origin of Love is the third studio album released by British singer-songwriter Mika. The album was released in France on 17 September 2012, and in the United Kingdom on 8 October 2012, via Casablanca Records and Barclay Records respectively. The album was preceded by an alternate lead single in each region. "Elle me dit" was first released in France, whereas "Celebrate" served as the first official single for the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">5 O'Clock (T-Pain song)</span> 2011 single by T-Pain featuring Wiz Khalifa and Lily Allen

"5 O'Clock" is a song by American singer T-Pain featuring American rapper Wiz Khalifa and British singer Lily Allen, which serves as the second official single from the former's fourth studio album, Revolver. It peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Allen's first top ten single in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Young, Wild & Free</span> 2011 single by Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa featuring Bruno Mars

"Young, Wild & Free" is a song by American rappers Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa, featuring vocals from American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars. It was released on October 11, 2011, by Atlantic Records as the lead single from the soundtrack of the film, Mac & Devin Go to High School, in which the rappers star in. The track was written by Mars, Philip Lawrence, Ari Levine, Brody Brown, Snoop Dogg, and Wiz Khalifa. The track samples two other songs, "Toot It & Boot It" (2010) and "Sneakin' in the Back" (1974), songwriting credits were added for a total of seventeen. Produced by the Smeezingtons during a freestyle studio session and never meant to be heard; Aaron Bay-Shuck considered it a potential hit and asked the trio to finish it. After the song was finished, Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa were added.

<i>Mac & Devin Go to High School</i> (soundtrack) 2011 soundtrack album and studio album by Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa

Mac & Devin Go to High School is the collaborative soundtrack to the film of the same name, as well as the collaborative studio album by American rappers and film stars Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa. It was released on December 13, 2011, by Atlantic Records. The album features guest appearances from Bruno Mars, Juicy J, Curren$y and Mike Posner. The album is supported by the lone hit single, "Young, Wild & Free". The album received positive reviews from music critics, who praised Snoop's and Khalifa's technical rapping abilities and production choices. The soundtrack debuted at number 29 on the US Billboard 200, and has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Payphone (song)</span> 2012 single by Maroon 5 ft. Wiz Khalifa

"Payphone" is a pop song by American band Maroon 5 featuring American rapper Wiz Khalifa. It was released on April 16, 2012, as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Overexposed (2012). The song was written by Adam Levine, Khalifa, Ammar Malik, producers Benny Blanco and Shellback, and additional producer Robopop. The song is a pop ballad that describes a romance that ended abruptly. It received favourable reviews from music critics, who praised the catchy melody and named it "a radio success", but some others dismissed its title and Khalifa's appearance.

<i>To Be Loved</i> 2013 studio album by Michael Bublé

To Be Loved is the eighth studio album by Canadian singer, Michael Bublé. The album was released on April 15, 2013, by 143 Records and Reprise Records. The album was preceded by the release of the lead single, "It's a Beautiful Day", released on February 25, 2013. Featuring four original songs and ten cover versions, it became Bublé's fourth consecutive album to reach number one on the U.S. Billboard 200.

<i>Blacc Hollywood</i> 2014 studio album by Wiz Khalifa

Blacc Hollywood is the fifth studio album by American rapper Wiz Khalifa. It was released in the UK on August 18, 2014 and in the US a day later, by Rostrum Records and Atlantic Records. The album features guest appearances from Ty Dolla $ign, Juicy J, Project Pat, Curren$y, Ghost Loft, Chevy Woods, and Nicki Minaj, among others. The album was supported by two official singles: "We Dem Boyz" and "You and Your Friends".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wizkid discography</span>

The discography of Wizkid, a Nigerian Afrobeats singer, consists of five studio albums, two EPs, fifty-three singles, forty-four promotional singles, sixteen guest appearances, six cameo appearances and thirty-five music videos. Wizkid started his music career at age 11, releasing a seven-track collaborative album with Glorious Five entitled Lil Prinz. Wizkid garnered notoriety when he collaborated with Naeto C, Ikechukwu, M.I and Kel. He signed a record deal with Empire Mates Entertainment in 2009. From 2009 through 2011, Wizkid worked on materials for his debut album Superstar (2011). Superstar was supported by the singles "Love My Baby", "Pakurumo", "Tease Me/Bad Guys", "Don't Dull" and "Holla at Your Boy".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Peaches N Cream (Snoop Dogg song)</span> 2015 single by Snoop Dogg featuring Charlie Wilson

"Peaches N Cream" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Snoop Dogg, featuring vocals from American singer Charlie Wilson. was released on March 10, 2015, as the first single of his thirteenth studio album Bush, with the record labels I Am Other and Columbia Records. The song was produced by Pharrell Williams, who also participated in the band composition, along with the interpreters and Nelly, Garry Shider, George Clinton, James Brown, Robert Ginyard, Jr., Mary Brockert, and Walter Morrison.

<i>No Place in Heaven</i> 2015 studio album by Mika

No Place in Heaven is the fourth studio album by British singer-songwriter Mika, released on 15 June 2015 via Republic Records (Casablanca).

<i>In Dream</i> 2015 studio album by Editors

In Dream is the fifth studio album by British band Editors. It was produced by the band themselves and released on 2 October 2015 through PIAS Recordings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Send My Love (To Your New Lover)</span> 2016 single by Adele

"Send My Love (To Your New Lover)" is a song recorded by English singer-songwriter Adele for her third studio album, 25. It was written by Adele, Max Martin and Shellback, with the latter two also handling its production. The song was first sent to mainstream radio on 13 May 2016 and then released to digital formats on 16 May 2016 by XL Recordings as the third single from the album. "Send My Love" is a pop and R&B song with an uptempo, rhythmic sound, which the singer describes as a "happy you're gone" song dedicated to an ex-boyfriend.

<i>Khalifa</i> (album) 2016 compilation album by Wiz Khalifa

Khalifa is a compilation album by American rapper Wiz Khalifa. It was released on February 5, 2016, by Atlantic Records and Rostrum Records, serving as his fourth release with Atlantic. The project features guest appearances from Courtney Noelle, Travis Scott, J.R. Donato, Chevy Woods, Juicy J, Ty Dolla Sign, Rico Love and Wiz's son Sebastian. The production on the project was provided by Wiz's frequent collaborators such as I.D. Labs and Sledgren, alongside the additional production by Lex Luger, DJ Spinz, Jim Jonsin, Juicy J, among others.

<i>Mad Love</i> (JoJo album) 2016 studio album by JoJo

Mad Love is the third studio album by American singer-songwriter JoJo. The album was released on October 14, 2016, through Atlantic Records. Incorporating a base core of R&B, pop and soul music, it serves as her first major album release in a decade following 2006's The High Road. JoJo co-wrote every song on the album while also providing vocal production every song. The album was JoJo's only album release under Atlantic Records, as she left in August 2017 to form her own label under Warner Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dave Gibson (Scottish singer-songwriter)</span> Musical artist

Dave Gibson is a Scottish singer and writer of Grammy, CMA and CMT nominated, and BMI award-winning songs. He has lived in Los Angeles, California since 2015.

<i>Amo</i> (Bring Me the Horizon album) 2019 studio album by Bring Me the Horizon

Amo is the sixth studio album by British rock band Bring Me the Horizon. Originally scheduled for release on 11 January 2019, it was released on 25 January 2019. The album was announced on 22 August 2018, a day after the release of the lead single "Mantra". It was produced by vocalist Oliver Sykes and keyboardist Jordan Fish, and was written and recorded primarily in Los Angeles.

References

  1. Michallon, Clémence (31 May 2019). "Mika announces new album 'My Name is Michael Holbrook' as he unveils single 'Ice Cream'" . The Independent . Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 Brice Ezell (15 October 2019). "Mika Delivers Undeniably Catchy Hooks on 'My Name Is Michael Holbrook'". PopMatters . Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  3. "Shows". Mika Sounds. Retrieved 2 October 2019.
  4. Spruch, Kirsten (31 May 2019). "Mika Announces New Album, Returns With Summery 'Ice Cream': Listen". Billboard . Retrieved 12 September 2019.
  5. 1 2 Shaffer, Claire (31 August 2019). "Mika's New Song 'Ice Cream' Is Summer-Anthem Bait". Rolling Stone . Retrieved 4 October 2019.
  6. "MIKA - Ice Cream" . Retrieved 4 October 2019 via YouTube.
  7. "Mika - Ice Cream (Behind The Scenes)" . Retrieved 4 October 2019 via YouTube.
  8. "MIKA - Tiny Love" . Retrieved 16 October 2019 via YouTube.
  9. 1 2 "Mika Pays Tribute to the Little Things (Literally) in 'Tiny Love' Video: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  10. "Mika Releases New Song 'Sanremo'". Mika Sounds. 6 September 2019. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  11. "Mika Goes Cruising for a Forbidden Love in 'Sanremo' Video". Billboard. Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  12. "Mika Goes Cruising for a Forbidden Love in 'Sanremo' Video". upcoming100.com. Retrieved 16 October 2019.[ permanent dead link ]
  13. 1 2 Heather Phares. My Name Is Michael Holbrook at AllMusic . Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  14. 1 2 "Album Review: MIKA - My Name Is Michael Holbrook | Gigwise". Gigwise . Retrieved 6 October 2019.
  15. "Album reviews: Wilco: Ode to Joy, and Mika: My Name is Michael Holbrook" . Independent.co.uk . 3 October 2019. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022.
  16. "Music reviews: Mika, Mozart, Lucky Oceans, Waed Bouhassoun and more". 11 October 2019.
  17. "My Name Is Michael Holbrook". Apple Music . Retrieved 15 September 2019.
  18. "マイ・ネーム・イズ・マイケル・ホルブルック[CD]" (in Japanese). Universal Music Japan. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  19. "Ultratop.be – Mika – My Name Is Michael Holbrook" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  20. "Ultratop.be – Mika – My Name Is Michael Holbrook" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved 11 October 2019.
  21. "Mika Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  22. "Le Top de la semaine (semaine du 11 octobre)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique . Retrieved 15 October 2019.[ permanent dead link ]
  23. "Album – Classifica settimanale WK 40 (dal 04.10.2019 al 10.10.2019)" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana . Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  24. "Mika". Oricon . Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  25. "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  26. "Top 100 Albumes – Semana 41: del 4.10.2019 al 10.10.2019" (in Spanish). Productores de Música de España . Retrieved 16 October 2019.
  27. "Swisscharts.com – Mika – My Name Is Michael Holbrook". Hung Medien. Retrieved 17 October 2019.
  28. "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  29. "Mika Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  30. "Rapports Annuels 2019". Ultratop. Retrieved 20 December 2019.
  31. "Top de l'année Top Albums 2019" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved 8 January 2020.