Review: "Good Guy" - Jemma Johnson
- Hanna Hathaway
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
“Good Guy” is a sweltering call-out track that criticizes the stubborn, sly, and untrustworthy. Jemma Johnson sings “you act like the good guy, I thought you were real nice/ play into the crowd with every line” explaining the attributes of the “good” guy’s custom trap. This criticism is delivered by biting lyrics like “if both our hands were tied/ we were strapped to dynamite/ oh you would never compromise,” detailing the extreme nature of this guy’s gruesome character. She asserts that even in a dangerous situation, this guy would be selfish and deceiving. This demonstrates the insensitivity of the guys she's describing as she stands against their conniving actions. As if in a conversation with him throughout the song, Johnson finally says “goodbye” to the false promise the "good guy" stereotype offers. This provides Johnson, and her eager listeners, with an empowering closure that encourages freedom from illusion.
A rugged base riff opens the stirring soundscape, converting into a cool line that introduces Johnson’s surreal vocals. The enthralling beat carries an undeniable synchronicity between vocals, strings, and percussion. Seductive sound effects contribute to the cohesiveness of the track and establish balance for a well-rounded listen. Johnson’s vocals occasionally perform a jazz-like slide and fulfill a partial count to add a swinging rhythm. This is responsible for the sumptuous feel of the track that constructs an abstract vibe. Johnson’s vocal sound is nonchalant as she keeps composure despite a fiery topic. She sways through notes with an apathetic elegance that represents the coolness of her unavailability for those awful “good guys”.
Jemma Johnson is a singer/songwriter from Derby, UK that has a unique pop sound with racked up choruses about toxicity. She performed her debut album at Y Not Festival, noting her tour dates are on the rise. Johnson has over 20 million streams on Spotify alone, with one of her most popular songs being “Pretty in the Dark”. Her latest release, “Good Guy” is paired with May single “Obsessed” and is turning heads. With over 64K followers on YouTube, and her reach on Spotify, Johnson is moving forward in the industry. I can’t wait to see what Johnson does next! To learn more about Jemma Johnson, her music, events, and information, visit her socials linked below.
Written By Hanna Hathaway
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