Country music website Holler listed "Changed the Locks" as No. 3 of the best Lucinda Williams songs; "Over the course of this slow burner from her self-titled release, Lucinda rises from the depths of debilitation of abuse to finally face her offender. With surmounting strength, the artist reclaims her power with every boot-stomping verse. Contagious rock tones spur solidarity for listeners who have struggled to take the steps detailed throughout the anthem."[2]LA Weekly ranked it at No. 11 on their list of Williams' best 11 songs, calling it "one of her most hard hitting numbers", writing "Her sneering vocal performance fits the song's ill-tempered mood."[3]NPR described it as a "barn burner",[4] while music website Return of Rock ranked it No. 1 on their list of Williams' 12 songs.[5]
