[4] She ultimately decided to showcase her songwriting skills and perform original work that touches on larger political themes or social issues such as gender non-conformity and immigration,[5][6] but which she considers very personal.

[7] The editors of AllMusic Guide scored Trouble and Strife four out of five stars, with reviewer Mark Deming praising Osborne's ability to shift genres and at "every turn she sounds assured and fully in charge, as if she was born to sing it all".

[8] In American Songwriter, Lee Zimmerman gave Trouble and Strife four out of five stars for performing "soulful grooves" that "tackl[e] tough subjects that are solidly in sync with the nation’s turmoil and tension, polarized politics and continuing cultural divide".

[9] Jeff Tamarkin of Relix also praised the singer's ability to shift genres while "tying her 10 diverse new tunes together with a sense of purpose and single-mindedness".

[1] David Cheal of The Financial Times rated Trouble and Strife four out of five stars, noting Osborne's history of activism, which "brings a different kind of spirit to a genre [rock music] that is more conventionally devoted to pursuits such as drinking and partying".