Giving the album a 4.5 out of 5 stars, Heather Phares of Allmusic, in references to Berman's past problem, wrote "Hopefully the circumstances around "Tanglewood Numbers" will never repeat themselves, but there's no denying that this is a uniquely powerful and moving set of songs." Popmatters' Josh Berquist also gave the album a positive review, writing "Even if it’s not their finest work, it certainly feels like it is. There is a visceral vitality to "Tanglewood Numbers" that has never inhabited any album prior."