While writing this album, the drummer Chris Stock left and was replaced.

[5] Jennings had another setback for six months when he contracted mononucleosis, which delayed the release of the album.

[6] Jennings is compared to Dave Matthews in a New York Times review.

[7] Unlike the debut, the album included several songs with political themes.

[8] City Pages called Birds Flying Away Jennings's best album, in a 2016 ranking, writing that "his blend of acoustic storytelling, historical themes, and funky instrumentation (there’s an alto-saxophone solo on the politically/historically charged 'Black Panther') makes for a perfect mix.