Jurek praised the album overall, stating, "Out of the Ashes is a great reflection of the music's tradition, from church pew to the barrom to the lovers' bedroom."

Jurek also went on to say, "It is -- after all this time, and six previously celebrated offerings -- the record Colter has been waiting to make all her life and better than anyone ever had any right to expect.

Even though the album was given a fairly average rating compared to allmusic's, Coleman gave the release positive feedback instead of constructive criticism.

Coleman explained how the release of the album helped Colter overcome Jennings's death, emerging her "from grief into a renewed life."

Unlike other websites, music reviewer, Marc Weingarten criticized Out of the Ashes, calling the album to, "sound more like something Rick Rubin might have worked on."