The album's sound received positive reviews. Described by author Ed Morales as a "subtle evolution", and by "The Dallas Morning News" as "delightfully infectious, hummable ultra radio-friendly", the tracks were summarized and praised by "The Monitor" as "romantic, charming and ebullient." "Billboard" characterized the album's sound to be transparent for those unfamiliar with its musical diversity, while the "Houston Chronicle" marveled "Amor Prohibido"s ability at retaining its innovative sound well into the 21st century; a sound which was "light years ahead" of the singer's contemporaries. The singer's "seductive alto" was described as at a peak of expression. The "San Antonio Express-News" collectively praised the band as being at their "creative peak", while A.B.'s production was highlighted by the "Rolling Stone" who labeled it the "Selena sound" that would have made the singer a dominant force on the music charts had it not been for her death. "Amor Prohibido" hinted of a "pop potential", an opinion echoed by author Matt Doeden, who felt that the recording exhibited Selena's potential to become the genre's first pop musician.