Uncut critic Luke Torn wrote: "Intimate, understated gem from New York City's unofficial poet laureate".

"[13] Jeffrey Sisk of Pittsburgh in Tune said; "The spellbinding 10-track release features sparse arrangements with Nile accompanying himself on piano, rather than his usual guitar.

"[15] Carlo Wolff, in the Cleveland Jewish News, describes "If I Was a River" as the type of music that becomes timeless, is often oracular, regularly poetic, mysterious and personal, and refers to Nile along with Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen as bards and masters of melody and meaning.

Masterful"[17] In The Alternate Root Danny writes: "The album does out Willie Nile though, showing the man behind the curtain has tenderness in his pen as he scribes ten tales of introspection and self-assessment.

"[18] Han van Bree of Soundz Magazine declares "If I Was A River is a timeless album that sounds familiar right from the opening track".