The album included three songs from Five Leaves Left and five songs from Bryter Layter, and was packaged in a gatefold sleeve that featured photos by Keith Morris.

Reviewing the album for Rolling Stone, Stephen Holden said, "British singer-songwriter Nick Drake's American debut album is a beautiful and decadent record.

A triumph of eclecticism, it successfully brings together varied elements characteristic of the evolution of urban folk rock music during the past five years."

Holden described the tunes as "derivative" but "melodically strong and harmonically kinetic", and that they were "enhanced by the brilliant arrangements".

"[2] Billboard stated, "From the opening tune, "Cello Song", Nick Drake has established his past, present and future, as he blends with the finest taste, the elements of jazz, classical and pop music with a mellow voice which whispers its message and soothes the ears of the listener.