James Perone writes, "The song describes how a man who previously suffered through all sorts of hang-ups has found solace with his newfound adherence to the stereotypical California, macrobiotic, granola, health food lifestyle".

In the liner notes to his 1996 compilation album In My Lifetime Diamond says he was "newly transported to California and was impressed by the health food consciousness there.

[4] The track "Prologue / Crunchy Granola Suite" was nominated for the 1973 Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Arrangement (for conductor Lee Holdridge).

[5][6] Reviewing Hot August Night in 1973, Robert Christgau said "Crunchy Granola Suite"'s opening guitar riff made it "obvious this man is some sort of genius rock entertainer".

[7] David Wild in his book He Is-- I Say: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Neil Diamond, said, "he managed to write the coolest song ever written about granola or any other breakfast food made of rolled oats, nuts and honey".