James Muretich in the "Calgary Herald" described "Junk Culture" as "glorious... a subtle, seductive pop recording with brains to boot". "Sydney Morning Herald" critic Henry Everingham noted that "nearly every song has the word 'single' stamped on it", while Evelyn Erskine in the "Ottawa Citizen" remarked: "Of the countless bands that make up the synth-pop invasion, Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark has shown a greater ability to progress creatively than most... The mood is enhanced by the band's deft use of experimental techniques." Carl Brown Jr. in the "Reading Eagle" praised "Never Turn Away" but was overall unfavourable, stating that only three songs on the record are worth listening to.