[1][2] In a review for AllMusic, Steve Kurutz wrote: "this album reeks of the kind of soft jazz noodling one hears in a department store during after-Christmas sales.

Granted it does explore a different side of Oteil than the one heard during the cosmic, marathon blues workouts of the Allmans, but by no means does that fact make Lifetime any more exciting to listen to.

While the musicianship is tasteful, at times the songs themselves are a bit mired in softer, smooth jazz territory.

"[3] In an article for Jambands.com, Max Delaney called the album "an important landmark in Oteil's career," and remarked that it "covers a lot of bases ranging from heavy old school funk a la James Brown and The Meters to more contemporary jazz to some grungy fusion style funk and there is a great overall flow... Oteil demonstrates his versatility not just as a player but also as a composer."

"[4] Writing for Jazz Times, Hilarie Grey stated: "Filled with deep, dark bass work and contagious rhythms... Love of a Lifetime... offers a funky fusion stew of intricately arranged, yet melodically accessible compositions... the band displays amazing musicianship in a variety of tricky settings"[5] Jeff Potter, writing for Modern Drummer, noted that the two drummers "complement each other perfectly, providing Burbridge with an engaging one-two percussion punch," and commented: "It's a joy to hear these drummers obviously having a wonderful time expressing themselves alongside a bassist with monstrous facility.