"[12] The Washington Post deemed it Lois' "craftiest album yet," writing that "such simple, sparkling tunes as 'Steal Heat' and 'Shy Town' retain the slightly punky, mostly folkie charm of the bicoastal singer's two previous long-players.

"[14] The Philadelphia Inquirer stated that "it's a low-fi affair, with Maffeo's sharp, breezy tunes presented in simple, accessible arrangements that use folk instrumentation and slightly off-kilter rhythms.

"[15] The Los Angeles Times concluded that Maffeo's "off-kilter, mostly acoustic approach is compelling, avoiding the self-righteous stance or baby-doll trimmings that plague many of [Olympia's] artists.

"[16] Rolling Stone determined that, "cushioned by airy, evocative melodies and the simple strum of a guitar, Maffeo's songs speak in the universal language of regret.

"[10] AllMusic wrote that "the opening 'Charles Atlas', a witty recasting of the wimp-turned-macho man ads from the comic books, is one of Maffeo's best songs, with a memorable hook and sing-along chorus.