 "Surrender" however was not as successful only peaking at number seventy-four in Australia.Music critic Mark Deming, in his Allmusic wrote "While Carnival is roots-friendly enough that it isn't likely to seriously alienate most of her fans, this album does represent a clear and decisive break from the country-influenced approach of her earlier music... As a vocalist, Chambers remains wonderfully expressive while maintaining a realistic emotional palate at all times, and her instrument is simple but gorgeous... With Carnival, Kasey Chambers gives up her title as the greatest Aussie country singer alive and becomes — the greatest Aussie singer around today?Maybe that's going a bit far to make a point, but after hearing this album, most people would be much less likely to argue the point."