AllMusic editor Leo Stanley found that The Day "confirms his skill for subtle, inventive songwriting and accessible, polished yet soulful production [...] He is still compelling – his voice is as smooth as silk, and nearly as seductive – but it doesn't quite have the force of personality as his greatest productions. Nevertheless, The Day qualifies as state-of-the-art mid-'90s soul, featuring a handful of terrific songs, and a lot of extremely pleasurable filler."
According to Leo Stanley, The Day showcases the artist's mastery of soul music, with a focus on sophisticated songwriting and refined production techniques. While his voice remains captivating, it lacks the distinctive personality that defines his most iconic works.