Close the Distance received generally positive reviews from music critics, some of whom commented on frontman Jason Lancaster's vocals, and its pop rock sound.

In the early stages of writing for a new album, guitarist Alex Reed was in Philadelphia while the remainder of Go Radio were based across Florida.

[6] Close the Distance has been described as a pop rock release,[7][8] with elements of indie folk,[1] and drew comparisons to Counting Crows.

[6] It continues the lyric themes found on Lucky Street, which centred around events in the band members' day-to-day lives, but with the added concept of hope.

[4] Lancaster found it stressful working on "Baltimore", adding that he felt the song wasn't "'finished,' because I was always scared of cutting it short and not doing it justice.

"[9] It features a lighter pop soundscape while retaining the high energy of the previous track, and showcases Lancaster's vocal abilities.

"[9] It opens with an acoustic guitar, before building with a piano into a full-band sound; it was compared to one of the band's earlier tracks "Goodnight Moon".

[12] On July 12, it was pushed back from its original date to September as the band wanted to "make sure everything was as perfect as we know you guys deserve.

[6][14] On July 17, a teaser video was released; after it was shared 20,000 times, "Collide" was premiered through Alternative Press's website the following day.

The clips sees a man running through Los Angeles, California's public transport system to meet his partner.

[15][20] The iTunes deluxe edition included "If That’s Tonight", "Live, Learn, Let Go", and acoustic versions of "Go to Hell" and "I Won't Lie" as bonus tracks.

[28] AbsolutePunk staff member Ryan Gardner said Close the Distance was the album that "defines Go Radio as a band deserving of stardom."

"[7] Melodic's Pär Winberg called it "a good album" that had "a lot of great melodies and a nice solid production" from Wisner.

"[31] idobi's Tori Bilcik wrote that the record "still makes for a solid, lighter pop rock album that fans of a variety of different music can enjoy."

"[8] Sputnikmusic staff member Atari said Close the Distance didn't measure up to Lucky Street, with Lancaster's voice aiding in "carry[ing] the album even through its weaker moments."