Description
Chelsea Cutler – How To Be Human – Double Vinyl Records
An Honest and Vulnerable Debut Album of Self-Discovery
Released on January 17, 2020, through Republic Records, How To Be Human is the debut studio album by American singer, songwriter, and producer Chelsea Cutler. Known for her emotionally candid songwriting and ability to blend indie-pop, electronic, and singer-songwriter elements, Cutler used this record to fully introduce herself as one of the most authentic voices of her generation. The album is a deeply personal exploration of identity, relationships, mental health, and the search for meaning in an often overwhelming world. With its mix of heartfelt lyrics, melodic hooks, and atmospheric production, How To Be Human quickly resonated with fans and critics, establishing Cutler as a rising force in the contemporary pop landscape.
The background of the album reflects Cutler’s steady rise from self-released projects to a major-label artist. Prior to this record, she had built a devoted fanbase through EPs like Snow in October (2017) and collaborations with artists such as Jeremy Zucker, with whom she released the joint EP brent (2019). These earlier works showcased her introspective style and DIY production skills. With How To Be Human, Cutler expanded her sonic palette, working with co-producers but maintaining the confessional intimacy that had become her trademark. The result is an album that feels both polished and deeply personal, balancing mainstream appeal with raw vulnerability.
How To Be Human blends dreamy electronic textures, acoustic flourishes, and pop melodies, all anchored by Cutler’s expressive vocals. Her voice carries a conversational tone, making the lyrics feel intimate, as if she’s speaking directly to the listener. Lyrically, the album tackles themes of self-doubt, heartbreak, resilience, and growth, often framed around her own experiences navigating young adulthood. The recurring motif of “how to be human” reflects her exploration of universal struggles—loneliness, love, uncertainty, and the desire to feel whole.
The album opens with “Sad Tonight,” one of its most successful singles, which reached the Billboard Hot 100 and became a fan favorite. With its soaring chorus and confessional lyrics, it captures the push and pull between independence and longing for connection. The title track, “How To Be Human,” stands as the emotional centerpiece, blending vulnerability with anthemic power as Cutler reflects on the challenges of understanding herself and the complexities of modern life. “NJ” is one of the most intimate songs, a stripped-down ballad that highlights her raw emotional delivery. Other highlights include “I Was In Heaven,” a track that combines upbeat production with bittersweet nostalgia, and “You Are Losing Me,” which pairs delicate instrumentation with introspective lyrics about drifting relationships.
Across the album’s 16 tracks, Cutler balances moments of joy with moments of pain, offering listeners a soundtrack that feels both cathartic and relatable. Songs like “Lucky” and “Strangers Again” resonate with anyone who has navigated the highs and lows of love, while tracks like “nj” and “You Are Losing Me” underscore her ability to capture heartbreak in its most delicate, honest form.
How To Be Human received strong praise for its emotional honesty and cohesive sound. Critics noted that while Chelsea Cutler was still relatively new on the mainstream stage, her debut album showed remarkable maturity and confidence. Fans connected with the record’s openness, often citing it as a source of comfort during moments of uncertainty. Commercially, the album performed well, peaking on the Billboard 200 and helping Cutler secure her reputation as one of pop’s most promising young singer-songwriters.
The legacy of How To Be Human lies in its authentic representation of modern young adulthood. It reflects the struggles of navigating love, mental health, and identity in the digital age, resonating deeply with Gen Z and millennial audiences who value honesty over perfection in their music. The album also positioned Cutler as an artist unafraid to embrace vulnerability as strength, paving the way for her continued growth in later projects.
Chelsea Cutler – How To Be Human (2020) is a heartfelt and emotionally powerful debut album that showcases her talent as both a songwriter and producer. With standout tracks like “Sad Tonight,” “How To Be Human,” “NJ,” and “I Was In Heaven,” the album captures the joys, pains, and complexities of self-discovery. Honest, vulnerable, and musically engaging, it is a defining record for Chelsea Cutler and an essential listen for fans of indie-pop, electro-pop, and introspective singer-songwriter music.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Sad Tonight
Strangers Again
What Would It Take
I Was In Heaven
Are You Listening
NJ
Somebody Else Will Get Your Eyes
You Are Losing Me
I Miss You
The Human Condition
Lucky
I Should Let You Go
How To Be Human
New Recording 28 – Lions
Crazier Things
