Surrender to Jonathan!

Recorded in Southern California, the album was produced by Andy Paley.^[5][6] Richman recorded the album once he had enough songs, and during a break from his touring schedule; he does not record songs on a deadline.^[7][8] Some of the album's songs were inspired by Richman's divorce.^[9] Richman played an Epiphone Emperor guitar.^[10] Richman used organ and horns on "I Was Dancing in the Lesbian Bar" and "Not Just a 'Plus One' on the Guest List Anymore".^[11] "Egyptian Reggae" is a remake of an older Richman song.^[12]

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[13]
Calgary Herald	[14]
The Encyclopedia of Popular Music	[12]
Entertainment Weekly	B[15]
MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide	[16]
(The New) Rolling Stone Album Guide	[17]

The Chicago Tribune deemed the album "typically blithe" and "a thoroughly swinging dose of tuneful good cheer."^[18] The Vancouver Sun opined that "Richman concocts more odd choruses from things most of us couldn't say aloud, let alone sing."^[19] The Calgary Herald determined that Richman's "simple rock 'n' roll has become increasingly simplistic and his cute musings increasingly moronic."^[14]

The Globe and Mail noted that Richman has "managed to reach [age] 45 without sounding a single cynical note in his life."^[20] Stereo Review determined that the "songwriting here is more consistent than usual, bringing the usual half-classic/half-throwaway ratio up to at least 60/40."^[21] Trouser Press stated that "Surrender" "is one of the most touching songs Richman has ever written."^[22]