While the band still failed to break into the mainstream success at the time of its release, critical praise given to Prison Bound garnered attention from major labels, including Epic Records, with whom Social Distortion would eventually sign in 1989.
Despite failing to gain mainstream recognition upon its initial release, Prison Bound garnered significant critical acclaim, drawing interest from prominent record companies, such as Epic Records, ultimately leading to Social Distortion's signing with them in 1989.