[11] "Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame" takes its title from a Charles Bukowski poetry collection.

[12] Trouser Press wrote that Alvin's "comfortable within his narrow [vocal] range, letting his pithy songwriting carry the load.

"[15] The Chicago Reader noted that "even the least of Alvin’s material is redeemed by his robust energy and expansive delivery.

"[7] The Los Angeles Times concluded that "Alvin's lyrics convey the heartache and longing you hear in the voices of great country singers like George Jones but rarely find in their material anymore.

"[17] AllMusic's Denise Sullivan wrote that "Alvin's vision falters slightly, as none of the songs here are as instantly likable or classic as on previous outings.