At AllMusic, Thom Jurke rated the album four out of five stars, comparing the release to Buddy Cannon's producing with Nelson's recordings of the mid-1970s, remarking that without leaning on a "retro" sound, the instrumentation "paint(s)" the tracks "beautifully". In addition, Jurek declared that besides being a recognized "vocal stylist" by the American musical scene, Nelson "is a classic country singer and songwriter first". Will Hermes writing for Rolling Stone rated the album three-and-a-half stars out of five, praising the songwriting, and noting that Nelson "has lost neither verve nor cojones". At The New York Times, Jon Pareles gave a positive review, and commented how "Willie Nelson the songwriter reappears on Band of Brothers", and described it as a "serenely feisty autumnal statement". At American Songwriter, Jonathan Bernstein rated the album three-and-a-half stars out of five, declaring that in Band of Brothers, "Nelson mostly proves he's still as sharp a vocalist as ever". James Hall writing for The Daily Telegraph rated the album four stars out of five, indicating how in his vocal range "There's plenty of life in the old dog yet." At Country Weekly, Bob Paxman graded the album an A, remarking how "In typical Willie fashion, Band of Brothers shows the many sides of the man, who continues to prove that he's a master of his art." Also, Paxman says "This is one more gem for your essential Willie collection." Stephen M. Deusner rated the album a 7.4 out of ten, highlighting how the release "is still a showcase for what Nelson does best." Ann Powers writing for NPR delivered a favorable review, and according to her "his phrasing remains the best", which she praised the musicians and Buddy Cannon that give nelson "plenty of room" for the arrangements. At The Observer, Neil Spencer rated the album three stars out of five, praising Nelson's work since signing his agreement with Legacy recordings, and noting that while "nothing matches his peaks" the record "it's still a delight", which Nelson's vocal and guitar playing "are still unique, still oddly touching". Marah Eakin of The A.V. Club graded the album a C+, noting that while the record was not "as rollicking as any of Nelson’s old outlaw material, it’s made up of solid tracks all the same." However, Eakin concluded that the album was not Nelson's "best album of all time (but) pretty good at best." At Exclaim!, Blake Morneau