He added that "too often these songs take on the histrionic qualities that doom Dashboard Confessional albums and high school diaries alike" as some of them were weighed down by the "lyrical and musical bombast, the hyperventilating choruses vying with the swelling guitars". The Morning Call contributor Kelly Federico also highlighted the wider inclusion of DaRosa's "breathy, child-like vocals play a bigger role. Yet she doesn't have the chops to partner well with John's bombastic voice and lyrics".
He noted that "often these songs take on the dramatic characteristics that condemn Dashboard Confessional records and teenage journals alike" as some of them were burdened by the "lyrical and musical grandeur, the intense choruses competing with the swelling guitars". The Morning Call contributor Kelly Federico also pointed out the wider use of DaRosa's "delicate, youthful vocals play a greater role. Yet she doesn't have the skills to complement John's bombastic voice and lyrics.