[9][10] Trouser Press thought that "the alternately stirring and somber Adequate Desire confronts birth, life, love and death in handsomely rounded songs that don’t pretend to possess answers to anything.

"[14] The Chicago Sun-Times noted that "there is enough searing guitar (by Hall and others) to satisfy hard-rock fans, while his organ lends a churchy feel and the door also is opened to country.

"[6] Newsday opined: "Singing in a plain, neighborly tenor, Hall's mild guitar-rock songs on Adequate Desire shimmer with taste, intelligence and catchy melodies.

"[15] The Dallas Morning News stated: "Smart without belaboring the point, Mr. Hall has produced some real gems, from the Zen inclusiveness of the rocking 'Every Little Thing' to the regretful but determined distance that drives 'My Last Letter Home'.

"[16] AllMusic wrote that "the standout is 'Hello Mr. Death', which is one side of a conversation with the Grim Reaper... Hall's wry, offhand reflections on love and mortality in this piece rank with his best work.