Media reviews of "Lions" were mixed. Numerous writers detected a Led Zeppelin influence (which was praised by some, but panned by others) and attributed it to The Black Crowes' recent tour with Jimmy Page. Dave McKenna, writing for "The Washington Post", compared Steve Gorman's drumming to that of John Bonham and found analogs to specific guitar and keyboard tones in Led Zeppelin albums. Nigel Williamson of "The Times" found similarities in Chris Robinson's voice on "Come On" to that of Robert Plant, and wrote that the song "could almost be a "Led Zeppelin II" cast off." Other reviewers noted similarities to Aerosmith; Howard Cohen of "The Miami Herald" called "Lickin'" "the best Aerosmith single that band hasn't recorded in years." The perceived lack of originality, though, turned off some critics. The "Herald Sun"'s Andrew McUtchen inferred "The Black Crowes are unaware it's no longer the '70s and after one listen to "Lions" ... it's clear someone should tell them." Everett True of Playlouder concurred, writing "It's blindingly obvious the Crowes are imitators, and always will be", though Elysa Gardner, writing for "USA Today", recognized the band "exhibit an energy and dexterity that compensate—at least somewhat—for their lack of invention."