The Morning Call wrote that "
New Pop Sunday includes a mix of subtle, catchy numbers. But there are a few brawny raveups, such as the potent 'Planet Girls' and the hook-laden 'Radio Prayer' [
sic]."
Trouser Press noted that "lacking
Rotting Piñatas hooks and
Wax Ecstatics grimy charm,
New Pop Sunday is fairly forgettable." The
Detroit Free Press deemed the album "refreshingly decent," writing that "rough-edged guitars are stretched wide, chiming guitars looped and echoed, vocals reverbed into liquid."
The Journal Gazette declared: "Sponge is an imitation of an imitator; they are chronically infatuated with those
Pearl Jam-pilferers
Stone Temple Pilots."
AllMusic wrote that the album "finds the band embracing their pop, hard rock, and arena rock roots, creating an old-fashioned hard rock platter that sounds completely out of step with the late '90s." and noted "In a way, that's refreshing". ==Track listing==