My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross

Anohni stepped away from her group the Johnsons to make 2016s Hopelessness, an album that honed the activism in her music to a sharp point with bladelike electronics and lyrics delivered with the frankness of someone at her breaking point. She brings some of that directness to My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross, her first album with the Johnsons in over a decade. Emblazoned with a portrait of gay liberation activist -- and the bands namesake -- Marsha P. Johnson on its cover, the record draws on politically minded 1960s and 70s soul, an elegant strain of protest music that meets difficult times with beauty, dignity, and humility. All of these are present on My Backs aching opening track, "It Must Change." Anohnis voice rings out over chiming guitar and smooth brass and strings, bidding people to leave prejudice in the past and treat others with compassion. Its as striking as the groups previous high points, but clearer and more immediate, because theres no time to waste. While casual listeners may have missed that songs like The Crying Lights "Another World" explored how humanity is connected to nature and often harms it, its inescapable on "Why Am I Alive Now," where Anohni bears helpless witness to "watching nature swoon and sigh/watching all the water dry." It evokes Marvin Gayes "Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)" with another 50 years of inaction fueling its frustration -- and indeed, Gayes Whats Going On was one of Anohnis main inspirations while making My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross. While she and the Johnsons tap into the power of anthems, the albums more subversive songs make as much of an impact. Co-producer/guitarist Jimmy Hogarths seething tones are a worthy match for Anohnis wails on "Go Ahead"s catharsis and they complement her Nina Simone-like smolder on "Rest" as it evolves from a soulful ballad into fiery experimental rock. The albums songs about lost loved ones are some of its finest: "I dont want you to be dead," Anohni sings bluntly on "I Cant," and the contrast between the jubilant music and her raw grief is gutting. "Sliver of Ice," which transforms one of her final conversations with friend and collaborator Lou Reed into a tender ballad about savoring moments, is equally moving. It often feels like shes grappling with her emotions in real time (several songs are first takes), and this spontaneity underscores that the freedom gained by giving heartache a name is just as important as calling out injustice. A powerful return, My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross reaffirms that Anohni & the Johnsons ability to confront the hardest issues and moments is as eloquent and relevant as ever. ~ Heather Phares