In 1983, Robert Palmer of The New York Times called Waiting one of "the summer's worthier record releases... that shouldn't be overlooked". He added, "The songs are full of barbed political and social commentary with a decidedly English bias. The harmonies and melodic twists and turns are reminiscent of 1930's pop, and the odd but effective arrangements feature trombone, cello and other orchestral instruments in a kind of music hall mélange."
In 1983, Robert Palmer of The New York Times praised Waiting as one of "the summer's standout record releases... worth paying attention to". He noted that the songs are packed with biting social commentary with a distinctly British flavor. The harmonies and melodic flourishes are reminiscent of 1930s pop, and the arrangements feature unexpected combinations of trombone, cello, and other orchestral instruments in a distinctive music hall style.