In several respects [Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere] falls short of [Neil Young]. Young's new material is a little disappointing…. [The] lyricism of the first album can only be found in faint traces here. But despite its shortcomings, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere offers ample rewards.

The most interesting tracks on the album are "Running Dry" and "Cowgirl in the Sand."… The lyrics [of "Running Dry"] are a bit over-dramatic, but the music and vocal manage to transcend them, creating the feeling of a dimly understood tragedy.

On "Cowgirl in the Sand" everything works. The lyrics are quietly accusative.