Chris August told CCM Magazine's Grace S. Aspinwall that "'At the end of the day, my prayer is that listeners will just relate to this record, and that it will take them to a place of worship, you know?...That's what I want for these songs.

[3] Alpha Omega News' Tom Frigoli said that "Chris has let his guard down and invited listeners to catch a glimpse of his own struggles and joys, hopes and fears in his daily walk.

"[6] Plus, Andre wrote that "Though this album is littered with many conflicting styles, like a bit of soul, gospel, R&B, and pop mixed in together; Chris’s passion for Jesus and inspiring lyrics have made it an enjoyable listen".

"[7] Argyrakis concluded with "Though a few lyrical clichés and average arrangements disrupt the flow, August still hits several toe-tapping strides as he expresses spiritual certainty.

"[7] Cross Rhythms' Lins Honeyman said that "This is undoubtedly a polished production – thanks in part to August's uncanny vocal resemblance to the ultra-smooth Michael Bublé".

"[9] Jesus Freak Hideout's Roger Gelwicks said that "It could be reasonably argued that The Upside of Down is meant to be a more convicting and intimate release to make the listener apply lessons to their own spiritual walk, and that was undoubtedly the intention all along.

Chris August is a more talented songwriter and musician than The Upside of Down lets him show, and hopefully we'll see the more lively, and artistically excellent, third effort on the horizon.

Conveying the truth of God while also delivering an energetic and intelligent musical performance, this album makes it clear that August is a well-seasoned musician with a desire to spread the gospel to all those who will hear—and it does so in a very accessible way.

"[12] Furthermore, Young called the album a "A sonic mix of John Mayer, Gavin DeGraw, and Stevie Wonder, The Upside of Down is a soulful gospel/country pop fusion with a funk groove that cannot be loosened.