"Displays a very real compassion for the blighted history of the South, leavened with a knowing wit. 'Birmingham' is a funny but humane tale of working-class Alabamians, 'Louisiana 1927' and 'Kingfish' are intelligent and powerfully evocative tales of the deep South in the depths of the Great Depression…. Newman dives deep into his influences in Southern soul and also adds potent country accents (with the help of Al Perkins' pedal-steel guitar) while dressing up his songs in typically expert string and horn arrangements…. One of Newman's finest albums; it's also one of his most provocative and infuriating.”—All Music Guide