Fans "pledge" to receive a copy of the completed project (an album or EP), while also having the chance to purchase exclusive extras such as private gigs, music video appearances, or even providing backing vocals during recording.

[11] Young Pilgrim's physical release was put under strain after all 30,000 copies of the album were destroyed in an arson fire at the warehouse and distribution center for PIAS Entertainment Group during the 2011 London Riots on 8 August 2011.

[23] Craig Jennings, CEO of Simpson's management group, stated, "We are delighted to achieve a top ten album with 'Young Pilgrim', and it would not have been possible without PledgeMusic putting together such a great direct-to-fan plan to launch the project.

Broden Terry of AbsolutePunk awarded the album a score of 95% and noted, "Young Pilgrim is undoubtedly the finest accomplished of Charlie Simpson's music career to date.

This twelve-track effort sees Simpson once again overhaul his sound into a beautiful blend of folk, acoustic and pop, while also implementing rich harmonies, absorbing melodies, thoughtfully constructed lyrics, and the clarity of luscious instrumentation to wonderful effect.

While awarding the album three stars out of five, he opined, "Simpson’s husky voice and warm melodies show promise, but his bitterwsweet, pastoral romanticism – all "old oak trees" and "morning snow" – is clichéd.

"[26] Similarly, Dave Simpson of The Guardian also awarded three stars out of five, writing, "His first offering in this guise is solid rather than spectacular, his Eddie Vedder croon occasionally let down by a lyrical clunker.

Awarding the album eight out of ten, he noted that "Young Pilgrim is a hauntingly beautiful affair, that paints Simpson as a jack of all trades; a songwriter capable of tugging your heartstrings and not just a frontman.

"[36] While Scottish publication The Fly awarded the album two stars out of five with Harriet Gibsone stating, "Young Pilgrim will be a hit with anyone who’s ever brought an acoustic along to a festival, but, sadly, it’s not for us.