[1] In his review for Billboard, Michael Paoletta declared the album "a musically rich and empowering journey through life's many ups and downs" that pairs "smooth, mellow grooves [...] with emotion-packed lyrics."

"[6] AllMusic editor Theresa E. LaVeck noted that "purposefully positive, the album chronicles Stone's journeys maintaining personal faith and loving relationships, resplendent with new takes on traditional soul sounds.

"[7] USA Today's Steve Jones remarked "South Carolina native Stone honed her songwriting skills penning tunes for people such as D'Angelo and Mary J. Blige, but on this earthy debut she quickly establishes herself as an artist to be reckoned with.

Stone's rich, mature voice lends an authenticity to lyrics that touch the jagged surface and underlying emotions between people trying to work out or move on from relationships.

"[8] Kerry Potter from Q described Black Diamond as "a low-key album of quietly poetic soul, epitomised by the muffled funk of "Green Grass Vapors."