[1][2] It was Johnson's first album in a decade; he took a break to recover from a 1988 van crash that injured him and killed members of his band.

[10] The Times Colonist stated that the collection "is a stone gem... Great organ and horn-driven arrangements by Barge frame Johnson's spare, biting guitar attack and equally terse, powerfully emotive vocals.

"[17] The Tulsa World determined that "Johnson's solo style is more laid-back than typical Chicago guitarists, sometimes to the point that you can't hear him amid the swinging, funky rhythm section; but he sends a good message without knocking you over the head with his guitar.

"[19] The Ottawa Citizen said that "with his fluid, jazzy playing, a high-pitched, soulful tenor and smartly crafted songs, Johnson has become one of Chicago's most vital and distinctive blues artists, always putting the unity of the band's groove ahead of individual glory.

"[20] The Toronto Star praised Johnson's "gospel-inflected vocals and busy guitar style".