Its melody was based on Pachelbel's Canon In D.[3] The song begins with instrumentation on flute and harmonium, a combination that Classic Rock critic Malcolm Dome described as "haunting".

"[3] Cash Box described it as "symphonic rock extraordinaire", and also said that it had a "strangely intriguing, euphoric production that stands out in any crowd.

"[4] Record World said that "lush orchestration and Bee Gees-like harmonies are the notable features" of the song, which also has a "pretty melody and production.

[3] PopMatters critic Sean Murphy rated "Isn't Life Strange" as the 67th best progressive rock song of all time.

[1] The 2007 SACD expanded edition and 2008 remaster of Seventh Sojourn both include an 8:10 version of the song as a bonus track.