Teagan Johnston - “Blue Monday”

SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Lana Del Rey, Bon Iver, Tori Amos 

Dramatic piano pop and chamber folk instrumentation take the lead on Teagan Johnston’s epic new single “Blue Monday”, a ballad that builds in intensity with heartbreaking appeal. While Johnston clearly has a rich and rewarding vocal tone, she cleverly distorts her vocals throughout “Blue Monday” in a way that feels crushingly distant. It’s the first single from the Canadian artist’s sophomore record of the same name, an exciting prospect given the power and grace of this early-year highlight. There’s melancholic passion in Johnston’s voice, an instrument that can draw tears with a quiver or unexpected raise of volume. Johnston’s earlier material spends much of its time in similar slow ballad territory, an artist deeply exploring emotions and delivering them with knowing vulnerability. Her other 2021 singles “Nineteen” and “Holy, Not Ready To Hide” are a far jump from her more rock-oriented debut The Trouble With Teeth, so lookout for Blue Monday to be an impactful release come later this year. (Kevin McStravick)