"Big Time Sensuality" was deemed as a highlight of "Debut" and was praised by critics. Larry Flick from "Billboard" wrote, "Wiggly bass and heavy beat come to the fore here, unfortunately competing with Björk's voice for lead billing, when her vocal really should be allowed to steal the show." Sean McCarthy of the Daily Vault defined the track as "insanely addictive", while "Vox" journalist Lucy O'Brien called it "saucy". John Hamilton from "Idolator" wrote that "this dancefloor monster resembles the soulful American house sounds of Crystal Waters and Ultra Nate in its original album mix, but for the single, it was revamped into a storming trance jam by remix duo Fluke." Simon Reynolds of "The New York Times" stated that "the sultry "Big Time Sensuality" has her vaulting from chesty growls to hyperventilating harmonies so piercing she sounds as if she’s inhaled helium". Johnny Dee from "NME" commented, "More fun, madness and surprise follows", noting "the pulsating grind" of the song.