Mary Hatley Releases 'The Poison I Choose' - An Album Review With INFL
- I'm Not From London
- Sep 27
- 2 min read
Memphis-based singer-songwriter Mary Hatley arrives with a debut album that feels like both a personal reckoning and a communal offering…
The Poison I Choose blends blues, rock, country and pop into a deeply felt collection of songs about love, loss, resilience and self-discovery. Produced by Matt Qualls at the legendary Easley McCain studio, the record carries a raw, unfiltered energy that recalls the classic rock and soul Hatley grew up on while charting her own path forward.
Each track acts as a chapter in Hatley’s story. ‘As Long As You’re Mine’ captures the vulnerability of discovering love after years of emotional walls. ‘Be My Lover’ surrenders to desire despite fear, while ‘Can’t Forget You Now’ wrestles with the fragility of trust. The driving ‘Cross You Twice’ confronts personal and societal challenges head-on, and ‘Didn’t See A Ring’ dissects assumptions and misunderstandings with wry honesty. ‘Dog Days’ pays tribute to resilience and healing through grief, while ‘Miss You Dear’ delves into cycles of loss and disappointment.
Hatley also finds moments of empowerment. ‘Not The Only One’ reclaims agency in matters of the heart, and ‘Ricochet’ emerges as an anthem of defiance and new beginnings. The title track ‘The Poison I Choose’ becomes a keystone – processing toxic love and the decisions that shape our lives. Closing with ‘What Are You Gonna Do’ and ‘Wine, Flowers & Blood,’ she grounds the album in Memphis nights, confronting past trauma while moving forward.
Musically, the album is rich with organic instrumentation – twanging guitars, soulful keys, and Hatley’s voice, which moves from a bluesy growl to a country-tinged croon with ease. It’s a sound that bridges genres but stays rooted in storytelling. In sharing her journey so openly, Hatley creates space for listeners to process their own. The Poison I Choose is not just a debut; it’s a testament to survival, vulnerability and the transformative power of music.
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