Singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson unveiled the release date of her fourth album, "Human Again," as well as its aching first single, "Ghost," on Wednesday (Nov. 16). The follow-up to 2009's "Everybody" will be released on Jan. 24, 2012, through Cabin 24 Records/Mom + Pop Music.

Produced by David Kahne, the tracks on "Human Again" is described in a press release as "darker, impassioned songs" that "throw a wrench in Michaelson's reputation as the crafter of dainty love songs." "Ghost," which is streaming at EW.com, finds Michaelson exploring a more mature sound and singing, "I'm a ghost, haunting these halls/Climbing up walls that I never knew were there."

"The album is called 'Human Again' because it's taken me a very long time to be happy," explains Michaelson in a release. "The music on this album might surprise some people. I was really singing out, physically; I was writing about a really dark time in my life."

Before the release of "Human Again," Michaelson will perform at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 24. The singer will also host her fifth annual "Holiday Hop" concert on Dec. 10 at Brooklyn's Music Hall of Williamsburg. 

"Human Again" marks her fourth official full-length since the 2006 release of her Cabin 24 debut, "Girls and Boys." "Everybody" peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard 200 upon its Aug. 2009 release.