[3] The majority of tracks on Son of Skip James are cover versions of well-known blues songs, some of them classics.

[1] The album's title references blues legend Skip James, a friend of Dion's.

[4] The album was generally positively received by critics, who called out its authenticity,[1] simplicity,[7] and emotional depth.

[1][3] Most critics agreed that Dion had effectively personalized the covers,[1][8] although Tony Sclafani of PopMatters disagreed, calling the track selection "too familiar", and his recordings "too reverent" to bring the project fully to life.

[3] Halo felt that the album featured "master musicianship and stunning vocals", but called it "nothing we haven’t heard before.