[3] Commenting on her decision to name the album Self Portrait, Hathaway told Essence in 2008: "This is the first record that I've ever worked on from start to finish including developing the concept, styling, the sequence and selection of the songs, the musicians, the producers, the marketing, the way it sounds – everything.

He found that "the album maintains a steady flow, whether the backdrops feature midtempo dance rhythms and horns, deep basslines and finger snaps, or acoustic guitars and glistening keyboards.

More than anything, the album helps bring back the art of the subtly seductive slow jam, despite the lyrical range, which covers personal issues almost as frequently as relationships.

"[8] In his review for SoulTracks, Akim Bryant noted that Hathaway "delivers a satisfying collection of new material intended to further solidify her declaration of empowerment."

That’s never been more apparent than on her fourth solo album, her most personal – and stunning – project to date [...] Like top-shelf cognac, Hathaway's passionate vocals go down smooth and spread head-to-toe warmth – a fitting symbol for the next generation of Stax soul.