After switching producer, recording studio and backing band for her third album Almost Always Never, Joanne Shaw Taylor returned to working with White Sugar and Diamonds in the Dirt producer Jim Gaines at Bessie Blue Studios on The Dirty Truth, as well as the rhythm section used on both albums – bassist David Smith, drummer Steve Potts and keyboardist Rick Steff (on Diamonds in the Dirt only).

[2] Some of the songs featured on The Dirty Truth were originally written and early versions recorded during sessions for Taylor's first two albums, including "Feels Like Home" and "Mud, Honey" (the latter of which was initially slated as the title for Diamonds in the Dirt).

Reviewing the album for Classic Rock magazine, David Stubbs wrote that "these are songs you'll be happy to familiarise yourself with over repeated listenings and are worth that close attention".

[4] Similarly, Daily Express columnist Paul Stewart suggested that "Every track on this album is extremely gutsy and professional and worth a listen", but also proposed that the move away from blues styles in favour of more rock-influenced compositions may alienate some fans of the musician.

In cahoots with producer Jim Gaines, who oversaw her first two albums, this fourth effort is a gritty, stripped-back collection of songs that move from destructive to delicate in the beat of a broken heart.