Album Review: Early Every Morn’ Lonesome Monday Morning Blues by Etta Mooney
Etta Mooney’s Early Every Morn’ Lonesome Monday Morning Blues, released in 1922 under Black Swan Records, is a gem from the early days of recorded blues. This vocal-driven album captures the raw emotion and soulful grit that defined the genre during its formative years in the US. Though it only features two tracks—“Early Every Morn’ (I Want Some Lovin’)” and “Lonesome Monday Morning Blues”—the record punches well above its weight, leaving a lasting impression.
Let’s talk about “Early Every Morn’ (I Want Some Lovin’).” Right off the bat, Mooney’s voice grabs you like a firm handshake—it’s warm yet tinged with longing. The lyrics are simple but relatable, speaking to universal desires for connection and affection. You can almost picture her sitting on a worn-out porch at sunrise, spilling her heart into the microphone. It’s one of those songs that sticks with you not because it’s flashy, but because it feels real. And isn’t that what good music’s all about?
Then there’s “Lonesome Monday Morning Blues,” which hits different. If the first track is a plea for love, this one’s more like a sigh after a long weekend. Mooney channels the melancholy of starting another workweek, her vocals dripping with exhaustion and resignation. There’s something hauntingly familiar about the way she sings—it’s as if she’s borrowing your own tired thoughts and turning them into melody. It’s no wonder people back in ’22 connected with this tune; Mondays haven’t gotten any easier since then!
What makes this album stand out is how unpolished it feels. In an era when recording technology was still finding its feet, Mooney’s performance shines through despite (or maybe because of) the limitations. Her delivery has a conversational quality, like she’s confiding in you rather than performing for an audience. That authenticity is rare even today, let alone a century ago.
Reflecting on Early Every Morn’ Lonesome Monday Morning Blues, it strikes me how timeless these themes remain. Love, loneliness, and the grind of daily life—they’re as relevant now as they were in 1922. But here’s the kicker: listening to this record feels less like stepping into the past and more like meeting someone who just gets it. Funny how two short songs can do that.
