Review: Mickey Guyton, Bridges

Mickey Guyton is an American country singer and songwriter, one of the few Black country singers in the industry. 

She set herself apart from others particularly with her newly released EP titled Bridges,  it touches on topics regarding social issues and racial injustices. 

In a press release statement from Capitol Nashville/Universal Music Group, Guyton says she sees this EP as one that “proves that in your darkest moments, you can have your breakthroughs.” 

She also says the production of this album during quarantine, brought her back to the obstacles of her life and career that allowed her to beautifully write and record these tracks, bits of herself are heard through the lyrics of most songs.

Starting off with one of the most pivotal ones, “Black Like Me.” This is a track written in the first person, she tells her story as a Black young girl and now a woman, in a manner that will make other Black people either men or women relate. 

Guyton talks about the experience of being singled out and told she was different from others when she was a little kid and till this day, the same situation hasn’t changed. Meaning Black people are always alienated and excluded from most parts of society because of the colour of their skin. 

She then talks about her father, with this part she explains how Black men like him have to continue working twice as hard to make a living for himself and his family. 

This is the same reality for every Black person in America or generally, to work much harder to attain what’s wanted out of life because we're not privileged enough or have the luxury that white people have.

This is why she sings, “If  you think we live in the land of the free, you should try to be Black like me.”

The album titled song itself Bridges, talks about eliminating hate and instead creating peace and solidarity. It talks about the division human beings have created between each other. 

Another touching track is “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?’, this is one that speaks about female empowerment and the value of telling women they are able to attain their goals and be whoever they want to be.

Bridges is a worthwhile listen for every country music fan. Guyton definitely sets herself apart from other artists in the country music scene because of this EP.

Bridges was released September 11, 2020 on Capitol Nashville/Universal Music Canada.
Listen to it here.

The official lyric video for Mickey Guyton's "Black Like Me"