Annie Anna – Wait (2024)
With the dark intensity of Hozier, the poetic lyricism of Fleetwood Mac and the charm of Shakey Graves, singer-songwriter Annie Anna captures the darkness of humanity in a laidback flair of folk music. While her influences are evident in the US-based musician’s work, a uniqueness intertwines and binds her melodies lulling you into comfortable submission. Annie Anna (formerly Stephanie Farney) fluttered through my speakers last year with her single ‘Drowning’ turning my head, as she does with so many listeners across the globe. Come with me as we delve into her latest release, ‘Wait’.
Following the well-received singles ‘Drowning’ and ‘Transamerican’, Annie Anna opens 2024 with the single ‘Wait’. Annie Anna may be known for her uplifting folk style, but she is by no means a one-trick pony. From the soul-tinged ballad ‘Drowning’ to the upbeat Americana single ‘Transamerican’, Anna remains true to her folk roots but with slight divergences. Shifting from these two separate styles, ‘Wait’ clings to an indie-folk sound with slips of pop teetering along the edges.
As with ‘Drowning’, ‘Wait’ is a heartfelt ballad but with less darkness in the melody and lyrics. In both singles, Annie Anna reaches into your chest and tugs at your heart; however, ‘Wait’ seems to be more adamant in its soul-stirring nature. Perhaps it is her tender vocals dripping from the warm acoustic arrangement, or maybe it is the slight tremor in her dulcet tones that evokes a gritty vulnerability. Whatever it is, listening to ‘Wait’ is a moving experience rather than merely hearing the song.
Intimate and profound, Annie Anna’s lyricism is a whirl of intense storytelling gleaming like a gem in a darkened pool. Penned for her best friend’s wedding, ‘Wait’ revolves around the theme of love with whimsical innocence and endearment. She explains:
“The song unfolds like a love letter, inviting the listener to join a couple as they navigate the cold nights together. The imagery of winter winds, tearing down walls, and falling together paints a vivid picture of vulnerability and closeness. The chorus, with its heartfelt please to wait as long as forever, adds a timeless and universal quality to the narrative…”
For more from Annie Anna, check out her official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more folk tunes on The Other Side Reviews Folk playlist: