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. 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

Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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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