Down Beat (p.54) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "It's among her more directly emotive statements and often pays tribute to the departed....HARD BARGAIN is an aesthetic feast..."

Billboard (p.48) - "She gets her twang on for the songs 'Six White Cadillacs' and 'Big Black Dog,' while 'Cross Yourself' closes the album on a soulful and deservedly triumphant note."

Record Collector (magazine) (p.88) - 3 stars out of 5 -- "[T]he pounding, evocative opener 'The Road' recalls her touring time with Gram Parsons, while the sparse strum of 'Darlin' Kate' is a fine tribute to the McGarrigle sister who died last year."