According to the review aggregator Metacritic, American Dreamer received "universal acclaim" based on a weighted average score of 99 out of 100 from four critic scores.

[1] Sam Sodomsky of Pitchfork Media rated this collection an 8.8 out of 10 for Nyro's "obvious, prodigious talent", with the publication declaring this "Best New Reissue".

[2] For Under the Radar, Hays Davis rated this album an 8.5 out of 10 for Nyro's importance in pop music history and her ability to move "comfortably between various musical styles".

[3] In Uncut, Laura Barton gave the set five out of five stars, due to the "sheer heft of her talent" displayed on the music.

[5] All songs written by Laura Nyro, except where noted More Than a New Discovery Eli and the Thirteenth Confession New York Tendaberry Christmas and the Beads of Sweat Gonna Take a Miracle Smile Nested Rarities and Live Recordings More Than a New Discovery Eli and the Thirteenth Confession New York Tendaberry Christmas and the Beads of Sweat Gonna Take a Miracle Smile Nested American Dreamer