"Straddling Americana, folk and country, Ricky Stein delivered a set that was both spirited and uplifting. Perhaps the perfect antidote to what was about to hit New York City, when, just a few days later, all live music would be shut down due to the Coronavirus. But in this tightly packed, intimate venue, the audience embraced the Austin transplant, who brings to bear his love for roots music and the historical influences that continue to shape his career."

— Ellen Woloshin, Music Connection Magazine

“Ricky Stein's music is a refreshing, unironic throwback to the days when blues-rock ruled the airwaves. Hailing from Austin, Texas, Stein harnesses the gritty, southern aesthetic personified by classic rock bands like The Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more recently, Shakey Graves, and creates a sound unique unto himself. On "Don't Leave Me Hangin' On," from 2012's Crazy Days, Stein showcases his aptitude as a songwriter while also paying tribute to his roots-rock predecessors. The music is urgent and driving, but also subtle, with unexpected twists and turns that proves an artist can be steeped in tradition without being predictable.”

— Ethan Ames, The Deli NYC

"You can often tell a musician's bona fides by the company he keeps, and Stein's accompaniment here – Warren Hood on fiddle, Matt Hubbard on keyboards, Gary Newcomb on pedal steel – points the way to not only top musicianship, but songwriting worthy of such first-call players. Stein's country ways bring to mind a cross between a young Bruce Robison's ear for melody and Adam Carroll's eye for storytelling detail. As such, "Heaven Is a Highway," "Wildfire Rose," and "Buying Time" are among the best country sounds to come out of Austin this year."

— Jim Caligiuri, Austin Chronicle