Writing for the Chicago Tribune, Bill Wyman described Joy as a "dizzying, insular tour de force" and awarded it three out of four stars. Karen Schoemer's brief writeup in the New York Times concluded that the album "at times seems too contrived, but Mr. Ralske's own joy in the sounds he creates is irresistible."
Bill Wyman, writing for the Chicago Tribune, called Joy a "dizzying, insular tour de force" and awarded it three out of four stars. Karen Schoemer's brief review in the New York Times concluded that the album "at times seems too contrived, but Mr. Ralske's own joy in the sounds he creates is irresistible."