REVIEW: WE’RE GOING BACK TO PENNSYLVANIA WITH ANNA SHOEMAKER
August 25, 2026
Written by Aiyana Howland-Gutierrez
Photo by Josefine Cardoni
SINGER-SONGWRITER ANNA SHOEMAKER HAS RECENTLY ANNOUNCED HER THIRD STUDIO ALBUM BACK TO PENNSYLVANIA— We were grateful to have a quick peak into what's to come with the highly anticipated October release. In this melodic masterpiece, Anna Shoemaker gets candid with us, opening up on her journey to healing and showing the courage it takes to grow through the pain. The album’s ten tracks carry us through her year in reflection. It is refreshingly honest, exploring her personal lived experiences.
Having moved back home to the suburbs of Philadelphia with her parents, Anna felt like it was a major step back for her. Through these tracks, Anna expresses that moving backwards can often be uncomfortable and frustrating, but that sometimes it’s okay to slow down and take the time to reflect; It can be what’s necessary for the next phase of life. With this newfound time to slow down and look inward, Back to Pennsylvania was born.
Her recently released title track “Back to Pennsylvania” is a melodic, upbeat and twangy tune strung with a hint of melancholy. There is a heaviness that comes with the lyrics upon further listening. Listening to the sad soft twang of Anna’s vocals, there is a sense of tragic optimism. Anna reflects on her relationship but looks towards the future in hope, despite the fact that she is going back to where she came from. It feels bittersweet as she bids farewell to this phase of her life. The future is uncertain but time stops for no man or girl. This reflective melody is just a small glimpse into what this album has in store, which officially releases this October 16th.