The tune began with a demo transmitted by Adamcik and bass player Kyle Koelsch, with singer Joe Cotela playing the work in his vehicle and writing the lyrics while sitting in the driver seat.

[7] Augusta Battoclette of Alternative Press stated "From the evocative vocals on “Kill Beautiful Things” to the anthemic “Half Alive,” it’s clear that DED are embracing their sonic growth and maturity as a rock outfit".

[8] Jeannie Blue of Cryptic Rock indicated that "With the passing of four years, the quartet—Vocalist Joe Cotela, Guitarist Alex Adamcik, Bassist Kyle Koelsch, and Drummer Matt Reinhard—has evolved from thick Nu Metal influences that proudly waved a sonic “FMFY” middle finger toward a more refined cynicism", going on to say that "Much as 2017’s Mis•an•thrope sought to provoke, School of Thought inspires discussion of false idols, willful ignorance, mental health, and begs listeners to “stop making stupid people famous”".

[1] Regarding "A Mannequin Idol (Lullaby)" and "Eyes Sewn Shut", Kevin Rutherford of Billboard professed that they "largely follow that same formula, albeit with less of a rap rock edge that occasionally permeated Mis-an-thrope and a radio-ready nu-metal sound courtesy of Kevin Churko, one of the genre's more in-demand producers (Five Finger Death Punch, Disturbed)".

[9] Blabbermouth.net stated that "The Phoenix-based band's new music takes on the fury of its debut and deepens the emotions with a compassion for humanity and a thought-provoking consciousness that we can all be and do better, not only for ourselves but each other".