The album received some critical acclaim, but it failed commercially.

Trouser Press described the problem as over-promotion: "It isn't that Lone Justice's first album is bad (it's not), but the ballyhoo that preceded the LA quartet's debut raised expectations that these frisky countryfied rock tunes (Linda Ronstadt on speed, perhaps, or Dolly Parton backed by the Blasters) couldn't possibly satisfy.

Maria McKee is an impressive young singer — an energetic, throaty powerhouse with a Southern twang and a slight Patsy Cline catch — and the band is solid enough, but... [the album] doesn't come anywhere near extraordinary.

"[7] Lone Justice was ranked the 24th best album of 1985 in The Village Voice year-end Pazz & Jop critics poll.

[8] Writing credits adapted from the album's liner notes.