At "American Songwriter", Hal Horowitz rated the album three-and-a-half stars out of five, saying that " the organic "Tarpaper Sky" is a welcome reminder that at 63 he remains capable of releasing beautifully crafted music that can stand toe to toe with his best." Stuart Henderson of "Exclaim!" rated the album a nine out of a ten, stating that "This is just vintage Crowell, which is to say that Tarpaper Sky is an essential record by one of the best." At "The Austin Chronicle", Doug Freeman rated the album three-and-a-half stars out of five, writing how the release "proves that the Houston Kid in his 60s remains as vital as ever, balancing ballads and bar room stomps, both cut with his characteristic sense of autobiographical detail and precarious mortality." Eric R. Danton of "Paste" rated the album a seven-point-three out of ten, saying that "Though these 11 songs aren’t always as sharply drawn as his best material, there’s plenty to love here." At "Blurt", Lee Zimmerman rated the album four stars out of five, stating that ""Tarpaper Sky" finds Crowell yet again emphasizing the superior songwriting skills that have been his stock in trade since the very beginning." All songs were written by Rodney Crowell except where noted. The album debuted at No. 168 on the "Billboard" 200, and at No. 25 on the Top Country Albums chart with 3,000 copies sold in its debut week.