Album Review: Josh Gilligan – Party of One

A heartfelt, introspective reflection on finding strength through self-vulnerability and acceptance.

Josh Gilligan’s debut album, Party of One, embodies the essence of living fully, deeply, and indeed, despite the misjudgments and regrets of the past. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Gilligan delves into previous experiences, successfully crafting a raw and well-thought-out LP that captivates listeners with its vulnerability and honesty. Although the project is brief in length, as a whole, its “hitting-home” messages stick with listeners long after the final track comes to a close. 

Party of One relays recurring themes of recognizing former struggles and adversities while honing in on optimism for the future. Gilligan confronts the demanding endeavor of being okay with being alone and yet does so with ease and maturity, traits that take years of self-discovery to master. With that, the project’s lyricism is easily one of its most potent attributes; Gilligan’s ability to convey and relate to audiences through anecdotes is few and far between. 

The album opens in the form of hardship. “Anything” features rustic, melancholy instrumentals with the lyrics “it takes a lot to be anything at all” repeating throughout. The track acknowledges and emphasizes the strength it takes to merely exist and be human while reflecting on the pain that once consumed Gilligan. Similarly, the next track, “Ceiling,” features illuminating backing vocals and harmonies, telling the self-assuring tale of allowing others to take over. 

The project’s tone shifts with the song “Tightrope”. This unapologetic track features tropical, beachy instrumentals, stressing the triumph of not allowing prior failures to dictate who you are. With that comes the realization that it is okay that some aspects take longer to conquer. “I’ve taken my time walking the tightrope, just to cut the line” is recurring. “Taking the bait, casting the line, chasing my tail, changing my mind”; Gilligan finds power and integrity in taking his time. Finally, the words “If I land anywhere but here” close out the track, proving that any step forward is a step forward. 

Another transition is implemented in the track “Free,” a reflective instrumental featuring stunning piano solos and wistful strings. “Turn the Lights Back On” follows, focusing on Gilligan’s journey of growing and demanding more for himself. Similarly, “Party of One” acknowledges and connects a past relationship and how he took them for granted: “A party of one just isn’t that fun.” The penultimate title track represents the album: a raw, introspective journey into shortchanges, shortcomings, and, more than anything, the ability to heal. 

Party of One tells a story too familiar to overlook. It is a short but sweet record, and its simplicity is nearly perfect and suited to its theme. Each song deserves to be looked at individually, as each tells a distinct yet interconnected narrative of self-reflection throughout the album: it takes strength to grow and feel.