Mickey Guyton was just getting started when she released ‘Black Like Me’ in June. Her new six-song EP ‘Bridges’, released Friday, is an honest and visceral portrayal of what it’s like to be Black in America in 2020. A good majority of this collection hits so hard lyrically, that production shouldn’t even enter the discussion. Guyton shows all of us her heart, and her vocal performances clearly show that she is devastated by the state of the world right now. Guyton told Apple Music that she co-wrote four of these songs in quarantine over Zoom, after the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor inspired her to speak out on the racial injustices that America has faced for so long. But instead of being stuck in sadness, each of these songs offer a glimmer of hope.
In ‘Heaven Down Here’ she pleads with God to share some of His perfection with the world. She knows we as a society can get to a better place, but people need to speak up for that change to take effect. The title track ‘Bridges’ is the most hopeful, saying that if we stopped fighting and causing unrest, we could get to place where conversations can take place and we can understand each other as humans.
Guyton needed a little levity in this EP though, and that came in the form of ‘Rosé’ and ‘Salt’. The former is just another drinking song and is not meant to have much impact. ‘Salt’ takes a clever turn though, warning men that the woman at the center of the story will ruin their lives. She is not worth their time, especially if they already have someone at home that is better for them. I get the need for these songs to break up the heaviness of the rest, but I probably wouldn’t give either a repeat listen when I have far superior songs to which I can listen.
Country music needs a voice like Mickey Guyton and I’m so glad she’s using it in this way. She has the talent to be a very impactful artist, fans just need to give her a chance. To listen to ‘Bridges’, click here.
