[8] Most of the lyrics were written by guitar player Tim Thomas; he chose to sing them in a lower voice, a decision partly inspired by Captain Beefheart.

"[12] The Plain Dealer noted that "the Babe crosses every style imaginable: straight riff-rock, shimmering, soaring pop and loopy funk.

"[17] The Charleston Daily Mail concluded that "the group has become noticeably tighter and its playing even more economical—something the current crop of 'jam bands' would do well to note.

"[18] The Salt Lake Tribune called the album an "engaging kaleidoscope of rock, dance and funk rhythms and influences.

"[19] In 2007, The Village Voice labeled The Way We Were a "relentlessly glorious lost classic", writing that "Babe developed and perfected a vibrant, volatile blend of catchy melodies and spastic, rambunctious noise, like Captain Beefheart making children's records, Tom Waits auditioning for Kool and the Gang, the Minutemen meeting girls.