Back And Forth

Album: How Did This Happen and What Does It Now Mean (2024)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Joan Armatrading has never been one to do things by halves, and her 2024 How Did This Happen and What Does It Now Mean album is proof of that. Take "Back and Forth," for example: a bluesy, rock-infused number with guitar work that soars like it just got its pilot's license. It's one of a couple of full-throttle, string-melting instrumentals on the album, and Armatrading absolutely lets rip in a way that might leave longtime fans blinking in surprise.

    "If people go back and listen to my records, they might not have realized it's me playing the electric guitar solos, but I always have done," she told Uncut magazine.
  • Armatrading did put a guitar instrumental on her previous album, Consequences, but it wasn't full-on shredding. On "Back And Forth," she woke up one morning "feeling like I just wanted to play guitar loudly, so I went into this studio and were recorded it. I was in the mood to shred."
  • Armatrading took complete creative control on the How Did This Happen and What Does It Now Mean album. She wrote all 12 tracks, producing, programming, engineering, and playing every instrument.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)Songwriter Interviews

Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.

Weezer

WeezerFact or Fiction

Did Rivers Cuomo grow up on a commune? Why did they name their albums after colors? See how well you know your Weezer in this Fact or Fiction.

Is That Song Public Domain?

Is That Song Public Domain?Fact or Fiction

Are classic songs like "Over The Rainbow" and "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in the public domain?

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.