[7][8] The title song was written by George Jackson, with many others provided by the songwriting partnership of Sam Mosley and Robert Johnson.

"[11] The Tampa Tribune thought that the album "perfectly captures his wistful romanticism and raspy-smooth vocals.

"[3] The San Antonio Express-News noted that "Sad Street find Bland still working a smooth, sophisticated, but unmistakably blues-driven, groove.

"[15] AllMusic wrote that "Malaco's well-oiled, violin-enriched studio sound fit Bland's laid-back contemporary approach just fine (even if his voice admittedly wasn't what it used to be).

"[6] The Sunday Times deemed Sad Street a "gritty" album that proved Bland's "Southern blues credentials.