The album reached #146 in the United States, and the single "King of Love" hit #68 in the UK; this was the last chart appearance in America to date. However, in the UK Edmunds had a top 40 album best of in 2008.
"King of Love" features guest appearances by two of the Stray Cats: Brian Setzer contributes background vocals, and Lee Rocker plays upright bass.
Although not considered to be one of Edmunds’ best albums, it has been generally well received by critics. Entertainment Weekly’s Greg Sandow enthused, "I’m trying to think of someone who wouldn’t love this album. Manuel Noriega? Right from the start, the music goes down like good whiskey, with a big, deep sound that warms the pit of your gut.”[6]The Washington Post wrote that the "vocals never make the emotional connection that Presley and Lewis once made (and that Costello and Parker still make). As a result, Closer to the Flame is a fine example of pop craftsmanship rather than a cathartic experience."[7]
