In "NME", Kent wrote that Television have proven to be ambitious and skilled enough to achieve "new dimensions of sonic overdrive" with an "inspired work of pure genius, a record finely in tune and sublimely arranged with a whole new slant on dynamics". He deemed the album's music vigorous, sophisticated, and innovative at a time when rock is wholly conservative. For "Sounds", Vivien Goldman hailed "Marquee Moon" as "an obvious, unabashed, instant classic", while Peter Gammond of "Hi-Fi News & Record Review" called it one of the most exciting releases in music, highlighted by Verlaine's steely, Gábor Szabó-like guitar and authentic rock music. In "Audio", Jon Tiven wrote that although the vocals and production could be more amplified, Verlaine's lyrics and guitar "manage to viscerally and intellectually grab the listener". Joan Downs from "Time" felt the band's sound is distinguished more by the bold playing of Lloyd, who she said has the potential to become a major figure in rock guitar. Christgau, in "The Village Voice", claimed Verlaine's "-philosophical" lyrics could sustain the album alone, as could the guitar playing, which he said is as penetrating and expressive as Eric Clapton or Jerry Garcia "but totally unlike either". Tom Hull, his colleague at the "Voice", recalls being in Christgau's apartment when he received an advance copy and witnessing his "instantly rapturous" reaction to the album. "Without being a guitar fetishist", Hull said he personally found it "as distinctive and powerful as any of its iconic peers—things like "" and "Layla" and Led Zep's first album".