My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross
by Anohni & the Johnsons
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 15 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
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  1. ernis_v
    Sep 1, 2023
    6
    While Hopelessness was just a teeny tiny bit on the line of cringe that comes from a white, privileged woman singing about the world’s issues, this bridge on her back for me to cross is full-on camping on that line. Got so excited to experience a new album by Anohni, especially with Marsha P. Johnson on the cover, but the end result is just meh. blergh. :/
  2. StevenX
    Aug 19, 2023
    3
    While the new musical approach (r&b/jazz) softens the blow a bit when it's low-key (which unfortunately doesn't usually last in this overwrought-as-usual set), it isn't enough to save ANOHNI if her idea of lyrics are "i don't want you to be dead" and "i can use you like a toilet". The voice is in ultrawarble mode to the point that "Scapegoat" especially sounds like this ultimate dramaWhile the new musical approach (r&b/jazz) softens the blow a bit when it's low-key (which unfortunately doesn't usually last in this overwrought-as-usual set), it isn't enough to save ANOHNI if her idea of lyrics are "i don't want you to be dead" and "i can use you like a toilet". The voice is in ultrawarble mode to the point that "Scapegoat" especially sounds like this ultimate drama queen's microphone is broken. Then again, would that be so bad if this is what happens when it's on? The highlight is when the music finally matches the vocal histrionics on "Rest", and by then it's close but still too late. Yikes.… Expand
  3. Lajaleaa
    Aug 22, 2023
    7
    Of course, there is a high sense of soul in this album, but I'm not sure if I'm catching the same vibes as everyone else. The lyrics and the compositions are on place, but it feels like they are not moving very much, like listening to a ghost singing and floating on the corner of some room on this house. It's not hard to see the memories, the writings on the wall, you know, the time thatOf course, there is a high sense of soul in this album, but I'm not sure if I'm catching the same vibes as everyone else. The lyrics and the compositions are on place, but it feels like they are not moving very much, like listening to a ghost singing and floating on the corner of some room on this house. It's not hard to see the memories, the writings on the wall, you know, the time that has passed so windy through this house, but this album doesn't precisely let you find the ghost echoing in all of these rooms, and by the time you get to the end of the album, you sense that strong presence near you, but it is so gassy, that it, kinds of, leaves you empty-handed.… Expand
  4. fabbber
    Jul 21, 2023
    10
    A masterpiece about all the s*** in this world right now in one of the most beautiful and dramatic voices of our time

Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best Album of 2023
72
#72 Most Discussed Album of 2023

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
87

Universal acclaim - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Record Collector
    Jul 20, 2023
    80
    The passion in ANOHNI’s voice lifts meandering mid-album cuts Can’t and Scapegoat. But the Marvin Gaye-indebted Why Am I Alive Now is the standout.
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  2. Beats Per Minute
    Jul 13, 2023
    85
    My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross, in turn, shows Anohni pivoting between stunningly direct and entrancingly oblique manifestos. A listener is left voyeuristically spellbound, striving to reconcile what they’ve encountered with the life they’re currently living.
    Read full review
  3. The Quietus
    Jul 11, 2023
    80
    She has delivered a body of work where she has given herself the space to be resilient, vulnerable and inspiring.
    Read full review
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