[12] AllMusic gave the album 4 out of 5 stars, writing: "Lissie's strength is how she uses the past as foundation, not aspiration, and that's why Back to Forever is a lithe, unpredictable, and seductive collection of modern pop: it places equal emphasis on song and sound.

"[1] In a very positive review, Simmy Richman of The Independent writes: "Lissie is still a head-and-shoulders-above-the-rest singer and songwriter but where Catching a Tiger mined the 1970s Fleetwood Mac seam, Back to Forever moves things into the 1980s – all fist-pumping verses and “Kids-in-America”-like big choruses," adding: "And though the hipsters will never take Lissie to their hearts, their loss is the gain of those who care more for substance than style.

"[6] In a very positive review, Paste Magazine writer Elias Leight writes: "With puffs of backing vocals and a shiny bursting guitar solo, all escaping emotions are artfully contained.

Lissie sounds most comfortable in this mode, chugging meticulously forward," giving Back to Forever 8.4 out of 10 points.

[9] PopMatters writer Steven Horowitz writes: "Lissie makes one want to pump fists in the air and sing along because she always seems to be giving it her all.