[4][5] Sleeping Star was produced by Soundtracks, who had long wanted to move from the noisy rock of his previous bands to a more classical pop sound.

[7][8][9] Trouser Press wrote that the album "often approximates the warm, jamming feel of a vintage Band record—an impressive feat when you consider how much of the project is essentially solo.

"[14] Entertainment Weekly thought that Soundtracks "continues to stake out a territory where Brian Wilson, Laura Nyro, Brill Building pop, and Hunky Dory-era David Bowie converge.

"[12] The Calgary Herald deemed the album "an unassuming gem," writing that "Soundtracks' songs wear hope, sadness and longing in many colors.

"[11] The Washington Post determined that "Waiting for the Train" "gets awkwardly overwrought, but the album's most effective tunes employ a slow-burn style that rewards repeated listenings.