Inspired by Sebastian Junger’s memoir War and described by its press release as "an honest and lyrically jarring exploration of emotions, drenched in a bath of raw beats and loops," the album features contributions from Remy's husband Slim Twig, producer Onakabazien, Ben Cook of Fucked Up, Amanda Crist of Ice Cream and Tony Price.

[4] Described as an "electronic art pop record,[5] Half Free maintains the accessibility and increased production values of the previous album, Gem (2012), while revisiting some of the tape loop experimentation and dark subject matter of U.S.

"[11] Kevin Ritchie of NOW thought: "Occasionally Half Free can sound dense to the point of being vexing, but its vivid imagery and striking melodies keep Remy’s more self-indulgent tendencies grounded in a classic pop sensibility.

"[7] Pitchfork critic Stuart Berman also responded positively, writing: "Even as its backdrop mutates from deep-house throbs to psych-rock guitar solos, Half Free always focuses your attention to where it should be: on Remy's radiant voice and vivid storytelling.

"[13] Tiny Mix Tapes' Will Coma praised the record, writing: "Mastermind Meg Remy’s first album for the vaunted 4AD label is bursting with vivid, cracked imagination and cool mastery of slippery pop allure.