Listen to the Sound

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[2]
Alt Rock Live	6/10[3]
CCM Magazine	[4]
Christian Broadcasting Network	[5]
Cross Rhythms	[6]
Jesus Freak Hideout	[7]
Louder Than the Music	[8]
New Release Tuesday	[9]
The Phantom Tollbooth	[10]

AllMusic's Jared Johnson said the album "feels like an arrival for Christian rockers Building 429, ironically the result of spending more time on the road and less in the studio. Coming almost three years since their self-titled magnum opus, the band's fifth album finds them more confident than ever in proclaiming their witness and writing memorable mainstream rock. Where the band worked hard to carve out its identity on previous releases, Jason Roy and company sound more than ever like they're having fun this time around."[2] At Cross Rhythms, Neil Fix said that "I don't really know which tracks to draw potential purchasers to because there isn't a bad song on here."[6] Fix went on to say "I love it, and will definitely be recommending it to pretty much everyone I know."[6] Jay Rae of the Christian Broadcasting Network said "the entire album is a completed work. Listeners without fail will engage with Building 429’s tracks while enjoying profound lyrical transparency wrapped in the sounds of musical excellence."[5]

Louder Than the Music's Jono Davies wrote that "I do like it, I have to admit I don't love it, but I do think it's a very good album. After numerous plays I do continue to find some great moments within these strong songs. This album is a step forward for Building 429".[8] Furthermore, Davies noted that the album "has a more family feel, in the same way that Coldplay are a band that the whole family will enjoy."[8] Davies said the "Standout Tracks" are the following: "You Save Me", "Walls Are Coming Down" and "One Foot".[8] At New Release Tuesday, Kevin Davis said the album "is the band’s crowning achievement in my opinion. If you’re looking for some songs that you’ll love to sing along with at high volumes and in praise to our Savior, then you’ll totally want to 'listen to the sound' of Building 429. I recently listened to all 54 songs by B429 and these 10 songs all rank in my top 15 songs ever recorded by this amazing band, along with "Glory Defined," "The Space In Between Us," "You Carried Me," "End Of Me" and "Always." No filler tracks, just one solid song after another."[9] Scott Mertens of The Phantom Tollbooth wrote "the combination of finding their 'sway', the signature vocals of Jason Roy, and well written songs gives Building 429 another winner in Listen To The Sound. In this offering, Building 429 has again found their true cadence."[10] Also, Mertens noted that "with Listen To The Sound the energy was returned, in force!"[10]

Alt Rock Live's Jonathan Faulkner wrote about the album that it "seems to let down those who it is lifting up. However die-hard listeners will no doubt like this album for years to come. Here's to hoping that their next project is just as encouraging, with a lot more depth."[3] Roger Gelwicks of Jesus Freak Hideout said if this "is the measuring stick of Building 429's musicianship, the bar remains terribly low with their best probably behind them."[7] Gelwicks continued on saying that this "is yet another unoriginal rendition of defining glory."[7] At CCM Magazine, Grace S. Aspinwall said "all the tracks are melodic, strong and some of the group's very best work. Hints of sounds akin to Newsboys and Third Day will make this not a groundbreaking album, but a versatile one, not to mention an undeniable good time."[4]

Former Major League Baseball outfielder David Murphy used "Where I Belong" as his walk-up music.