"13" holds an overall approval rating of 79 out of 100 on online review aggregator Metacritic based on 17 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews". Tom Doyle of "Q" called "13" "a dense, fascinating, idiosyncratic and accomplished art rock album", while an enthusiastic Brent DiCrescenzo of "Pitchfork" stated that "Blur have finally found a sound to match their name." "PopMatters" Sarah Zupko praised Blur's new musical approach and wrote that "proving they have the goods of a truly exceptional band, Blur has done what the greats have done before them—evolved." Rob Sheffield of "Rolling Stone" called the album "their sloppiest, most playful set, spiking the mix with church organ, electric piano and shambling drum loops." "Record Collector"s Jason Draper described "13" as a "masterpiece" that stands as arguably the band's "greatest work".