It was identified by BBC Radio presenter OJ Borg as the record he regrets buying. In 2017, Vices Daisy Jones ranked 15 "one-hit wonder" albums from history, naming The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes as the worst. Jones had praise only for the chorus of "Spaceman", likening the remainder of the record to "being thumped on the head with a large chunk of wood then dragged backwards through thick sludge".The Guardian and Q, who initially published favourable reviews, have named the record one of the worst of all time.
It was recognized by BBC Radio presenter OJ Borg as the disc he regrets purchasing. In 2017, Vices Daisy Jones listed the fifteen "one-hit wonders" from history, placing The Boy with the X-Ray Eyes at the bottom. Jones only appreciated the chorus of "Spaceman", comparing the rest to "being struck on the head with a large piece of wood and dragged backwards through thick mud". The Guardian and Q, which initially gave positive reviews, deemed the record among the worst ever.