The album was generally well received by critics, who remarked on its diversity and significantly different musical style to that of drummer Crahan's other band Slipknot.

In June 2002, band members Shawn Crahan, Brandon Darner and Stevan Robinson began working on an album together.

[4] An animated music video for the track "In The Mood" was produced by BoingBoing,[5] which was premiered on MTV's Extreme show on December 1.

[9] Prior to the release of the album, drummer Crahan touted To My Surprise as "a hybrid of folk, '70s rock fuzz and schizophrenic grooves".

[13] The Calgary Sun's Mike Bell cited "glam, new wave, Beatles pop and country rock" as the sounds the album presents.

[16] When reviewing for Calgary Sun, Mike Bell highlighted their eclectic nature and in conclusion said the album is "fittingly, fun and surprising".