Bridges Not Walls

Released in 2017 as a 'mini-album' or EP, Bridges Not Walls serves as a compilation of several digital singles Bragg released to address the rapid political changes in the UK and US. Following his collaborative Americana project with Joe Henry (Shine a Light), this album retains that dusty, roots-oriented production style. It marks a significant lyrical shift toward 'post-Brexit' reportage, most notably on 'Full English Brexit,' where Bragg attempts to understand the sense of loss felt by those voting for leave rather than simply condemning them. The inclusion of Anaïs Mitchell’s 'Why We Build the Wall' connects the British experience to broader global tensions. Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted the album's transition from the 'angry young man' persona to a more 'statesman-like' folk philosopher, praising his ability to maintain his relevance in a vastly different political era than the one in which he debuted.