“In its totality, Pettus' album is a triumph of authenticity over artifice, a testament to the stirring beauty that can emerge from the depths of personal struggle. Listeners are not just indulging in another studio recording but a shared human experience, a communion with an artist who turns adversity into art. How the West Was Once is more than just a collection of songs, but heartfelt stories of the human experience, resulting in a uniquely intimate listening experience that resonates long after the final strum fades.”

— Michael Scanlon | Roots Music Magazine