In their review of "Like A River",
Billboard commented that "Simon christens her lovely new
Letters Never Sent album with an intelligent and melodically complex tune that swirls with a haunting and philosophical tale of death and change. Simon has not offered a song as moving as this in years, giving her words further weight with music full of seemingly countless shifts that keep the ear alert. It is, by turns, orchestral and poppy, and will bring a smart, emotional vibe to any AC radio station it graces."
Cashbox stated that "Simon’s latest album has the potential to be her most intriguing in years. The voice behind such hits as “You’re So Vain" and “Haven’t Got Time For The Pain" has tapped into the universal trait of wishing to say things never said...Given the personal nature of a project like this, one wishes Simon might’ve cut back on the arrangements a bit, but fans will still be suitably impressed and there is a lot of promise for adult/contemporary success."
Entertainment Weekly graded the album
B+, and wrote "Simon dug up her old, unsent letters — to people unnamed, but not necessarily unidentifiable — and set them to music. The results are funky, fascinating, and sumptuous. A daring move that pays off."
AllMusic wrote that the album "represents a fresh start" and that "Simon has returned to passion as her main subject matter, confessing, "I can never be in love, I can only be in heat." She gives off that heat in many of the album's songs" and concluded "It's an unusually coquettish performance for a woman of 49, and practically weightless." ==Awards==