[3] Sister Rosetta Tharpe was already known as one of gospel's most successful and pioneering artists and a leading purveyor of the genre's blending with R&B as a precursor to rock and roll.

[7][11][12] A contemporary review in the trade publication Billboard quotes the Methodist minister John Wesley: "'Why should the devil have all the good tunes?'

"[16] In 2015, Cross Rhythms' Lins Honeyman wrote that despite being "in arguably less frantic mode than usual", she "pull[s] off some truly great performances" through her "verve and passion".

[11] Its reviewer described it as "an enjoyable, timeless album in its own right" beyond its historic legacy and praised the "skill, passion and impeccable musicianship" that it was played with.

"Two Little Fishes, Five Loaves of Bread", the former, looks ahead to the music of Etta James, reflected in Tharpe's showing off her "soulful, bluesy side... over a smooth backing".