AllMusic stated: "This is a trio date that has all the elements: an indefatigable lyricism and honesty of emotion, as well as beautiful colors and deft, even uncanny engagements among the three principals. What a welcome return for Allen, who expertly displays she's been refining her chops and listening deeply to her Muse these past six years".
The Penguin Guide to Jazz awarded it 4 stars, calling it "a graceful mixture of originals and standards that not only reference past performances but create a shimmering unity of sound that one can readily imagine hovering in the ether long after the record is over".
JazzTimes stated: "Although Geri Allen's versions of standards are marvelously performed, it is her originals that distinguish
The Life of a Song. She's writing fresh, distinctive songs that are made even better when performed by a master trio". == Track listing ==