"[4] Martin Chilton of The Daily Telegraph wrote that "American Kid is a triumph of songwriting and expressive singing.

"[8] Thom Jurek concluded his review for Allmusic by stating that, "With its immediacy, economy, cagey strength, and vulnerability, Griffin delivers these 12 songs not as gifts or statements, but as her own evidence of what is, what was, and what yet may come.

"[7] Holly Gleason of Paste wrote that, on the album, Griffin was expressing "emotional truths" and "cutting to the quick," and that her "razor-sharp sense of detail has never been sharper".

[11] Will Hermes of Rolling Stone noted that "it's clear [Griffin's] writing remains as surprising as it is masterful.

"[12] Rob Hughes of Uncut called the album "a bewitching piece of work, with or without the hired help", due to Griffin's "elegant phrasing and nuanced delivery", and said it "manages to sound deeply affectionate without being sentimental.