In Volume 1, Issue 8 of bangSheet, dated October 5, 1998, writer Feeway Cummings said: "An absolutely stunning batch of songs. The songwriting was mature and serious. The playing, loose, tight, loud, soft, and pure energy. And, of course, the voice. The voice is still the voice. Donnie adding the emotion and pure honesty of that voice. The album staggered me. These guys still have got it. They never lost it. They never lost me. The world which Louie, Agnes, Merilee and King Cool himself have grown into. Youthful days of love, passion, bars, cars, and late nights have given way to kids, divorce, wrinkles, affairs, class reunions, jobs and loves lost, and introspection. Change with redemption. Age with wisdom. Music that is classic, mature and timeless. A classic." Kurt V. Hernon of bangSheet also noted "The album was a superb return to form and was the logical progression of the Cruiser sound. It is a mature and brooding piece. The music, and Donnie, were as strong as ever. And the original Cruisers were back onboard. The themes are more serious, the music at times haunting."