Among Beatles biographers, Alan Clayson approves of "Material World"s "self-production criterion closer to the style of George Martin", after the "looser abundance" of "All Things Must Pass". Within the more restrained surroundings, Clayson adds, Harrison laid claim to the title "king of rock 'n' roll slide guitar", in addition to giving perhaps his "most magnificent performance on record" on "Who Can See It". Rodriguez also approves of a production aesthetic that allows instruments to "sparkle" and "breathing space" for his melodies, and rates Harrison's guitar playing as "stellar" throughout. Peter Lavezzoli describes the album as "a soulful collection of songs that feature some of Harrison's finest singing, particularly the gorgeous Roy Orbison-esque ballad 'Who Can See It'".