 The editorial staff of AllMusic Guide gave the release four out of five stars, with reviewer Stephen Thomas Erlewine called this "a nice blend between the group's signature college rock singalongs and Rucker's slick, cheerful solo work" and praised the album's positive feel, writing, "This friendliness lends itself to a collection of songs that are resolutely sturdy, designed to sound more charming over time, and the inherent warmth of Imperfect Circle is reason enough to give the tunes a chance to grow.