Until 2008's Covers, it was Taylor's only studio album not to receive a gold or platinum certification from the RIAA.

The title track reached number 26 on the Easy Listening chart in October 1974.

[1] Record World called the title track a "tall, proud mansong" that could be Taylor's biggest hit since "Fire and Rain.

"[2] Cash Box said of the single "Let It All Fall Down" that it's a "tender, highly lyrical tune, very reminiscent of the artist's powerful beginning.."[3] Record World called it a "nihilistic hymn of anarchy [that] gets the hauntingly up musical treatment.

"[4] "Hello Old Friend" was used in the intro for ABC's Game 3 coverage of the 1989 World Series, just before the pre-game broadcast was interrupted by a 6.9 magnitude earthquake.