Anohni, formerly known as Antony Hegarty, is a celebrated singer-songwriter and visual artist known for her unique voice and powerful lyrics. Born in 1971 in California, Anohni began her musical career in New York City, where she formed Antony and the Johnsons in 1998. The band’s debut album, “Antony and the Johnsons,” was released in 2000 to critical acclaim, featuring Anohni’s hauntingly beautiful voice and poignant lyrics.
Throughout her career, Anohni has been celebrated for her fearlessness in addressing difficult social and political issues in her music. Her work often explores themes of gender identity, environmentalism, and social justice, and she is known for her poetic and deeply emotional songwriting. Anohni’s music is characterized by a unique blend of classical and electronic influences, and she has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, from Björk to Lou Reed.
In addition to her music, Anohni is also a visual artist and has exhibited her work in galleries around the world. She has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Mercury Prize and the BRIT Award for Best British Female Solo Artist. Anohni continues to be a powerful voice in the music industry, using her art to challenge and inspire audiences around the world.
1. “Hopelessness”
“Hopelessness” is the title track of the 2016 album by Anohni, the artist formerly known as Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons. The song is a powerful and politically charged protest anthem that calls for action against the destructive forces of capitalism, war, and environmental destruction. Anohni’s haunting vocals are set against a driving electronic beat, with lyrics that express anger, despair, and a fierce determination to fight for a better world. The song is a passionate and urgent plea for change, with Anohni’s voice serving as a rallying cry for those who refuse to give up hope in the face of overwhelming adversity.
2. “Drone Bomb Me”
“Drone Bomb Me” is a haunting and powerful ballad from Anohni’s 2016 album “Hopelessness”. The song’s lyrics express the plea of a young girl from a war-torn country to become the target of a drone strike, as a way to end her suffering and pain. Anohni’s ethereal and haunting voice combined with the song’s sparse instrumentation and electronic beats create a sense of urgency and despair. The song tackles complex issues of warfare, violence, and oppression with a poignant and emotional delivery. “Drone Bomb Me” is a powerful example of Anohni’s ability to tackle difficult and uncomfortable topics with a unique blend of artistry and activism.
3. “I Don’t Love You Anymore”
“I Don’t Love You Anymore” is a haunting ballad by Anohni, the lead singer of Antony and the Johnsons. The track features Anohni’s distinctive and emotive vocals, supported by delicate piano and strings arrangements. The lyrics are deeply introspective and confessional, expressing the pain and sorrow of falling out of love with someone. Anohni’s vulnerability and raw emotion make the song a powerful and relatable reflection on heartbreak and moving on. “I Don’t Love You Anymore” is a standout track on Anohni’s critically acclaimed album “Hopelessness” and showcases her unique talent for creating deeply personal and poignant music.
4. “Another World”
“Another World” is a beautiful and poignant song by Anohni, released in 2008. The track features Anohni’s signature ethereal vocals, set against a lush and dreamy soundscape of strings and electronics. The lyrics speak to the longing for a better world, where war and destruction are replaced with love and understanding. Anohni’s voice is full of emotion, with a sense of yearning and hopefulness that is both inspiring and heartbreaking. “Another World” is a powerful and deeply moving song that speaks to the universal human desire for a world that is kinder, more just, and more peaceful.
5. “Crisis”
“Crisis” is a politically charged song that addresses the refugee crisis and highlights the hypocrisy of western governments. Anohni’s haunting vocals are accompanied by a simple piano melody, creating a somber and reflective atmosphere. The lyrics speak of the inhumanity of borders and the cruelty of turning away those in need. Anohni’s emotive delivery brings a sense of urgency to the message, urging listeners to consider their own role in the crisis and demanding action from those in power. “Crisis” is a powerful and poignant song that stands as a reminder of the ongoing global refugee crisis and the need for compassion and action.
6. “Why Did You Separate Me from the Earth?”
“Why Did You Separate Me from the Earth?” is a haunting and introspective song by Anohni. The track features the singer’s distinctive and emotive vocals, layered over a sparse and eerie instrumental arrangement. The lyrics explore themes of disconnection, loss, and environmental destruction, asking questions about the state of humanity’s relationship with the planet. Anohni’s unique talent for creating deeply personal and thought-provoking music is on full display in this track, and the combination of her vocals and the haunting instrumental arrangement creates a haunting and powerful atmosphere that lingers long after the song has ended.
7. “Fistful of Love”
“Fistful of Love” is a hauntingly beautiful song by Anohni, released in 2005. The track features Anohni’s soaring vocals, set against a sparse and brooding soundscape of strings and electronic beats. The lyrics speak to the complex and sometimes destructive nature of love, as Anohni explores the emotional pain and turmoil that can come with romantic relationships. The song builds to a powerful climax, with Anohni’s voice rising above the swirling soundscape to deliver a fierce and passionate performance. “Fistful of Love” is a stunning and emotionally charged song that showcases Anohni’s remarkable talent as a singer and songwriter.
8. “4 Degrees”
“4 Degrees” is a haunting and powerful protest song about climate change, featuring Anohni’s piercing vocals and sparse yet effective instrumentation. The song’s title refers to the increase in global temperature that would result in catastrophic consequences for the planet. Anohni’s lyrics urge listeners to confront the reality of the situation and take action before it’s too late, with lines like “I want to burn the sky, I want to burn the breeze” and “I want to see this world, I want to see it boil”. The song’s urgent and urgent message is paired with a stirring melody that stays with you long after the song has ended.
9. “In My Dreams”
“In My Dreams” is a stirring and ethereal track by Anohni. The song features the singer’s haunting and expressive vocals, which soar above a dreamy and atmospheric instrumental arrangement. The lyrics evoke a sense of longing and yearning, as the singer expresses a desire to escape into her dreams and find refuge from the troubles of the waking world. Anohni’s emotive and powerful voice is perfectly suited to the dreamy and introspective mood of the song, and the overall effect is one of deep emotional resonance and haunting beauty.
10. “Obama”
“Obama” is a powerful protest song by Anohni that was released in 2016. The track is a scathing critique of former President Barack Obama’s environmental policies, particularly his decision to continue drilling for oil in the Arctic despite his professed commitment to fighting climate change. Anohni’s emotive vocals are accompanied by a hauntingly sparse instrumental arrangement that highlights the urgency of the song’s message. The lyrics are a potent indictment of the hypocrisy of politicians who claim to care about the environment while putting corporate interests ahead of the planet’s well-being. With “Obama,” Anohni boldly speaks truth to power and calls for action to protect our planet for future generations.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
