ANOHNI and the Johnsons — My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross — Album Review
Alternative | Ballad | Soul
Listen on Spotify | Listen on Apple Music
The Chichester-born, New York-based singer songwriter Anohni Hegarty, known more widely by her stage name ANOHNI, was somebody who I had heard a lot of positive buzz towards. And following that, it was, oddly enough, her rendition of Nina Simone’s “Be My Husband” that would ultimately serve as my introduction to the artist’s music.
That being said, however, I never really brought it upon myself to fully delve into ANOHNI’s discography. And though I got a very clear sense of just how powerful and beautiful the artists vocals in particular were, I definitely wanted to hear more further down the line.
That time had come as we reach just past the mid point of 2023, in which ANOHNI and her band the Johnsons bring us the fifth studio album from the two musical forces; one that clearly had a message to get across.
I will go off on a (slight) tangent here to say that in recent times, it has been an extremely trying time for queer communities around the world. Even in my home city of Brighton & Hove, a safe haven of sorts for queer folk, there have been many a friend of mine who have been victim to a gradual rise in discrimination, with transphobia especially being more noticable.
So upon discovering this brand new album, featuring trans activist Marsha P. Johnson, it felt very clear that this new album, titled My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross, clearly had a message to share.
ANOHNI approaches some remarkably important topics on this album, with the primary ones being pretty obvious at this point, given what I have stated leading up to this point in the review. And in true ANOHNI fashion, she tackles these topics in the most intimate and reflective ways possible. There’s something phenomenally impactful regarding how the stripped-back nature of this album really has us listening to the actual messages being told.
Nevertheless, that isn’t to say that My Back Was A Bridge For You To Cross is without its musical qualities as well. Courtesy of the Johnsons (a band named in homage to Marsha, of course), we get some absolutely gorgeous melodies, washing over listeners with its sweet ambience, and carrying a beauty that perfectly matches ANOHNI’s angelic vocal range.
Bittersweet is absolutely the key word when it comes to this album’s overall tone, and it is a brilliant reflection of how bittersweet being a member of the queer community can be, with a plentiful share of moments both good and bad. But the importance of moving forward and raising awareness, as this album pushes so clearly in its narrative, and more subtly in its musicality, is what truly makes this album a must-listen.
Respect does not even begin to scratch the surface of what I feel towards this album. If you’re a listener in need of an album that is going to leave a mark, then look no further than this incredibly important record.
Favourite Tracks: It Must Change | Sliver of Ice | Can’t | Why Am I Alive Now? | You Be Free
Rebis Music | Rough Trade Records
