Linda Laban of the Boston Herald considered "Cherry Marmalade" one of the top ten CDs released in 2002.

[1] John Wirt of The Advocate said, "Hanley's versatile voice runs from reedy and tough to airy and vulnerable.

[2] Craig S. Simon of the Worcester Telegram and Gazette described "Cherry Marmalade" a "joyous collection of the kind of smart and spunky pop tunes that seem to be few and far between these days.

"[3] Chuck Campbell of the Knoxville News Sentinel said the album "often sounds like it's lacking a focal point" and "that Hanley struggles for a sense of purpose as she works her way through the enervating muddiness".

[5] After "Cherry Marmalade" did not make a large commercial impact, Hanley said, "I have to remind people all the time (especially my mom) that my goal is not to reach a mass audience but to consistently put out my own version of good pop music to as many, or few, people who want to hear it.