Named for the last line of a 175-year-old hymn written by William Gadsby, according to Webb, the album "is an emphatic statement about the liberation and ultimate security of the people of God -- the church."

The album received four five-star and/or ten-star perfect ratings from Christianity Today, Cross Rhythms, New Release Tuesday and The Phantom Tollbooth.

Russ Breimeier of Christianity Today cautioned that "It should be mentioned that She Must and Shall Go Free is worded so passionately, some might initially react negatively to it", but noted, "Perhaps most admirable is Derek's tone, which despite his strong criticisms of religion, is very humble.

"[3] Mike Rimmer of Cross Rhythms wrote, "It's a shame that one of the most important albums of 2003 will probably go largely unnoticed in the general Christian music scene.

[6] Brian A. Smith of The Phantom Tollbooth wrote, "With many quality guests (Jars of Clay, Sandra McCracken) and outstanding songwriting, She Shall and Must Go Free is my early nominee for album of the year.

"[7] The album had a half-star deduction from five by Steve Losey of AllMusic, who wrote, "What Webb has accomplished with the opus is a grand statement about love, the church, and life through the eyes of a man that humbly serves Christ".

"[2] Ron of Jesus Freak Hideout gave it four- stars out of five, and he alluded to how he's "...seen this album bring people to tears because of its sheer beauty and brutal honesty rolled into one.

"Saint and Sinner" was also a point of contention due to the original line, "I used to be a damned mess but now I look just fine, 'Cause you dressed me up and we drank the finest wine".