Album Review: Mallory Johnson, Surprise Party

Kicking down the door and grabbing the spotlight, Mallory Johnson’s debut album Surprise Party begins with the bluesy yet fierce “Goin’ Broke.” This track straddles the line between genres, with its smokey style conjuring saloon imagery, yet is paired with modern themes and references (when was the last time you heard a country song reference the Kardashians?) This strong opener gives listeners not only a sense of Johnson’s tenacity, but also a sense of her clever songwriting and word-play that prevails throughout.

Humour plays a recurring role in this album, particularly in “Hungover and Married”: I want the wedding / but I don’t want to be married. Johnson uses her trademark turns of phrases not just for comedic effect, but it also is a palpable tool in some of her more sentimental tracks, such as “Not Your Heart” and “Sugarcoat.” Where heart and humour coalesce is in the titular “Surprise Party” which serves as a love letter in the spirit of Tim Minchin’s “White Wine In The Sun.”

Johnson sends us home with “Wise Woman (The Worktape)” proving that sometimes all you need for a country song is a true heart and a guitar. The poignant ending makes the listener reflect upon its tenacious opening, and realize just how much musical and emotional range is on display through this impressive debut album. 

Surprise Party was released October 28, 2022.
Listen to it here.