It was recorded live on tour in 2010 and 2011, following the release of Armatrading's seventeenth studio album This Charming Life.

AllMusic's Thom Jurek observed that: "Armatrading's guitar playing has never been more agile or visceral", adding that she is "a virtuoso".

He went on to describe the songs on the album as "anthemic", "soulful", "stinging" and "electrifying", drawing attention to Armatrading's "emotional depth and unique vocal phrasing", concluding that Live at the Royal Albert Hall is "the most electrifying live album in Armatrading's long career".

[4] Allan Wilkinson of Northern Sky Magazine noted that Live at the Royal Albert Hall has "a stellar cast of musicians" and is "testament to the continued life and work of the UK's leading female singer, songwriter and guitarist".

[5] NB: track listings vary on different versions of the CD/DVD All songs written and arranged by Joan Armatrading.