Rolling Stone (9/21/95, p.85) - 3.5 Stars - Good - "...the group's 1967 debut, isn't quite the genre-busting exercise its title promises...[but] the Family Stone's boundless high energy, tight musicianship and soulful convictions get the motivating message out loud and clear..."
Down Beat (p.68) - "The capricious 'Run, Run, Run' bursts with melodic invention, while the gritty opener, 'Underdog,' forecasts the street-hustler funk to come."
Rovi(2009/04/08)
Sly & the Family Stone's debut album is more restrained and not nearly as funky or psychedelic as their subsequent efforts, owing far more to traditional soul arrangements. These aren't that traditional, though; Sly is already using goofier and/or more thoughtful lyrics than the soul norm, and taking some cues from rock in his adventurous and unexpected song construction. The Family Stone, similarly, aren't as innovative as they would shortly become, but are already a tight unit, particularly in the interplay between lead and backup vocals and the sharp horn riffs. ~ Richie Unterberger
Rovi