[11][12] The Los Angeles Times wrote that the album shows that "Butcher is capable of conveying honest emotion while turning out a reasonably palatable brand of arena rock.

"[15] The Atlanta Journal-Constitution determined that the album "continues the music-with-a-message style of Wishes, with guitar-playing that ranges from gently melodic to blistering and lyrics that come from Mr. Butcher's life and his concerns.

"[4] The Omaha World-Herald thought that "Butcher's biggest stumbling block—his throaty voice—too often crowds out his guitar playing this time out.

"[16] The Advocate concluded that "Butcher's lyrics are a cut above most other rockers ... his problem is that his musical style falls into that middle ground between grinding hard rock and the pop metal which is now in vogue.

"[17] MusicHound Rock: The Essential Album Guide considered Pictures from the Front to be "a desperate-sounding grab bag.