"[10] The name of the album, as well as the title track, stems from a battle that Luke Smallbone's wife, Courtney, faced with an addiction to prescribed medication,[10] coupled with an historical incident during the Spanish conquest of Mexico in 1519 AD, where a Spanish commander named Hernán Cortés, landed his ships on enemy shores unaware of what awaited his arrival.

"[12] According to Timothy Monger of AllMusic, the music on the album, mixes the duo's "signature blend of dynamic rock and electronic pop with classical and choral elements".

[14] Robert Berman from Worship Musician Magazine described the album as being "in the same, hooky, Imagine Dragons/OneRepublic vein as their previous work, loaded with atmospheric keyboards in soaring arrangements".

[14] Described by Billboard as "a buoyant track backed by a 100-member choir"[9] features a refrain from the popular song "Joy in My Heart" by George William Cooke.

[17] "God Only Knows" is an "emotional track full of hope",[18] that tackles depression and suicide,[17] which could "easily be paired with Imagine Dragons or Fun any day".

[19] "Amen" is another song that also asserts the brothers' religious convictions,[15] inspired by Luke Smallbone's rebaptism,[20][21] that provides "a Latin flair and energy into the mix".

[17][18] "Burn the Ships" has been likened to the 1994 Steven Curtis Chapman song of the same name due to the inspiration drawn from the historical incident.

[15] The duo joins forces with their wives on the final track, "Pioneers", forming "an ABBA-esque quartet",[24] to encourage married couples to carry on through the troubles they face.

[25] The album cover image for Burn the Ships was shot in Iceland, serving as a "picturesque version of what it means to carry on within a seemingly desolate and volcanic framework".

[35] The duo embarked on the Burn the Ships World tour from fall 2018 until spring 2020, in which it was ultimately postponed and then cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Burn the Ships prompted largely positive reactions, echoed in reviews about the collection from critics within the Contemporary Christian music genre.

Joshua Andre rated the album four and a half out-of five at 365 Days of Inspiring Media, stating that Burn the Ships, though "captivating and powerful", was not as compelling as Run Wild.

[13] Reviewing for CCM Magazine, Jen Rose Yokel said of Burn the Ships: "with its epic soundscapes and energetic, hopeful songwriting, it's a pop album you won't want to miss".

"[18] Bestowing a perfect ten square rating for Cross Rhythms, Tony Cummings concludes simply: "An absolute gem of an album.

"[17] Wayne Myatt gave a more favourable second opinion in a Jesus Freak Hideout review, acknowledging "They [For King & Country] have toned things down a bit on this release," as the band enters a new chapter in life but recommended to the duo's fans and "perhaps those who favor the lighter side of pop and rock music".

"[40] Christopher Smith was more optimistic in his Jesus Freak Hideout additional two cents piece, saying that the duo have crafted "their most cohesive album yet", deeming it "a highlight pop release of 2018".

[41] In a NewReleaseToday review, Kevin Davis believes "The album once again demonstrates multi-talented musicianship with creative, insightful lyrics and ear-grabbing melodies.

"[16] Robert Berman lauded the album in his review at Worship Musician Magazine, declaring that Burn the Ships "deserves a listen from all fans of hopeful, faithful pop".

[48] For King & Country also made their inaugural appearance with Burn the Ships on the all-genre Canadian Albums Chart issued by Billboard at No.