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

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde

Johnette Napolitano of Concrete BlondeSongwriter Interviews

The singer/bassist for Concrete Blonde talks about how her songs come from clairvoyance, and takes us through the making of their hit "Joey."

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)

Bands Named After Real People (Who Aren't In The Band)Song Writing

How a gym teacher, a janitor, and a junkie became part of some very famous band names.

Paul Stanley of Kiss, Soul Station

Paul Stanley of Kiss, Soul StationSongwriter Interviews

Paul Stanley on his soul music project, the Kiss songs with the biggest soul influence, and the non-make-up era of the band.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Bob Daisley

Bob DaisleySongwriter Interviews

Bob was the bass player and lyricist for the first two Ozzy Osbourne albums. Here's how he wrote songs like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley" with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.