"The Philadelphia Inquirer" described the track as "a healing, rhythmic ballad that evokes religious imagery". A review in "The Sacramento Bee" was favorable, describing Jackson's vocal performance as "cool". Michael Mehle of "Rocky Mountain News" described the finale as "anthemic" and a "powerful gospel opus". A "Ledger-Enquirer" review observed of "Earth Song", " enjoys the same kind of subtlety, building to a dramatic call-and-response finish with the Andrae Crouch Choir". "Contra Costa Times"'s review called it "a bit sappy and overblown" but also acknowledged that it was "epic" and destined to be a "massive smash hit".