Explaining the album's theme, Bemis said, Anarchy, My Dear is our first attempt to write a true ‘punk’ record; thematically speaking, it’s a collection of songs about subverting society and destroying the boundaries humankind has placed upon ourselves both physically and in our minds.

Coincidentally, it also happens to be the first record we’ve made in years where we had total freedom to explore our ‘edgier’ side and present a raw picture of what the band is truly about onstage.

The image represents a championing of the ’cause’ of struggling against the rules and regulations that dictate our thinking.”[4] On December 19, 2011 Say Anything streamed their first single from the album called "Burn a Miracle.

[10] AbsolutePunk gave the album an 85%, writing that the record promises "anything could happen at anytime, and Bemis and company do their very best to shake up what has been expected from them as a band.

"[11] Entertainment Weekly was positive, noting that "Like a good long-distance run, Anarchy rewards with bursts of sonic endorphins."