Annie Dressner – I Thought It Would Be Easier (2024)
We’re only four months into 2024 and Annie Dressner has brought us an album which sits firmly at the top of my favourite records of the year so far. I Thought It Would Be Easier is a superb exploration of what makes us human from the memories we make through to the connections we craft throughout our lives. Dressner takes us on an emotional journey with this record from the joy of friendship to the regret and grief of the past.
Straight out the gates with the lead single from way back in October last year, ‘Black and White’ sets the tone for the entire record with a wistful look at a relationship that had run its course. Along with ‘Black and White’, the other two previous singles I had the pleasure of reviewing ‘18 Years‘ and ‘Dance We Do‘ stand tall as a great prelude to the album. The three singles are just the start of a beautifully curated album, which is only strengthened with tracks such as ‘I Just Realized’, in which Dressner uses grief felt from the sad passing of her mother, to explore the realisation that time goes by so quickly and how loss can evoke the sense we need to appreciate our time. Personally, it hit hard with me as a parent now being the age my parents were when they had me.
During my first listen to the record in full, when I heard ‘Lofted Houses’, I knew it was going to be my favourite track and I’ve loved it more with every listen. It’s a perfectly crafted piece of Americana, full of joy and hope that a great friendship gives you. As with any great album the close needs to leave you thinking about it for hours after, with ‘Should’ve Seen in Coming’ Dressner did that. It might only be 1 minute 43 seconds but I found myself singing it for days after.
With a fantastic session with Riley & Coe on BBC6 Radio, a headline tour on the horizon and a slot at Deer Shed Festival in July, 2024 is looking to be a busy year for Annie Dressner. I know I for one will be trying to get to one of her shows this year.
All that’s left to say is that I can’t wait to add I Thought It Would Be Easier to my record collection. Great record by a wonderful artist.
For more from Annie Dressner, check out her official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
Discover more Americana tunes on The Other Side Reviews Americana playlist:
