Zoë Radas from
Stack Magazine wrote that "As its title suggests,
Light, Dark, Light Again considers dualities. But it's the movement between those positions – the undulations and the way states return to a former shape before changing again – which Angie McMahon finds fascinating" further adding "McMahon rarely sings static statements like 'I am this' or 'it is that', but communicates the constant evolution and progression of things with phrases like 'I am learning to', 'I hope I continue to'". Radas named 'Mother Nature' as the album "stand out". Jules LeFevre from
The Sydney Morning Herald felt that "Where
Salt was pared back,
Light, Dark, Light Again is expansive and cinematic: harmonies ricochet atop thundering drums, guitars build into walls of sound, and Angie's voice stretches powerfully outwards." Giselle Au-Nhien Nguyen from
The Guardian said, "As its title suggests,
Light, Dark, Light Again moves through emotional and sonic worlds both gentle and heavy, always returning to the former." She added: "This beautiful, soothing record shows McMahon's skills not only as a songwriter and storyteller but as a wise guide for the busy and anxious modern mind." Mary Varvaris from
The Music stated that "McMahon sings and writes about universal concepts, such as heartbreak, depression, accountability, and anxiety. And on the highly anticipated, rewarding follow-up to her 2019 debut album,
Salt, McMahon tackles those experiences like nobody else." They ended their review saying "
Light, Dark, Light Again isn't exactly a happy album, but for those who connect with McMahon's authentic storytelling and messages, it might just feel like the soothing hug you need right now." Mikey Cahill from
NME called it a "cathartic and exhilarating second album". In a five-star review, Dylan Marshall from
The AU Review said "A step up in production and vibe from her last album, McMahon placed an emphasis on creating songs that are warm, cosmic and vast in their content, volume and vibe." Marshall called the album "something special" and said "
Light, Dark, Light Again is an album of growth, confidence and acceptance. It will go down as one for the ages." In the week of release, it was
Triple J's feature album of the week, with the station saying, "Bubbling with cinematic indie rock, raw and empowering lyrics, this is a record that sees Angie stepping out from the past and embracing her fears; using them as a journey to a bigger, brighter future." ==Track listing==