Bobby Valentino earned largely polarizing reviews from critics. David Jeffries of
Allmusic gave the album a positive review. He stated, "Valentino's first full-length has mystical touches in its overall slick and sexy production, touches that help separate the album from the competition in a way the everyday songwriting doesn't." Jeffries further noted: "Of course, it is a debut and, considering that, pulling a daring punch or two is forgiven. If he keeps on the path of breaking the R&B crooner rule book and really lets his inner maverick out, he will go farther than competition can even imagine."
Rolling Stones Bill Werde found that "on his debut, Valentino's honeyed croon and hilarious pickup lines practically ooze all over the tracks. The beats on Valentino have just enough crunk to bring some bump-and-grind to the slow dance: The simple snare tracks, layered with soft guitar, strings and flute, lend undeniable atmosphere to Valentino's come-ons." In a negative review for
Stylus Magazine Thomas Inskeep noted that "this album is nothing but a “Quick, the single’s hot!” cash-in, one which could have been far better than it is, but nearly everyone involved sounds as if they fell asleep on the job – even
Ludacris, which is saying something. Valentino’s got no substance behind his pretty-boy façade, and on
Disturbing Tha Peace Presents Bobby Valentino, it shows." Steve Horowitz of
PopMatters wrote that "Valentino has an undistinguished voice, writes hackneyed lyrics, and his instrumental backing suffers from tedious production values [...] Valentino's not very deep or affective. He may share the same last name as the charismatic silent film star, but
Rudy could say more with his eyes then Bobby can sing with his whole body on an entire CD worth of material." ==Commercial performance==