NME writer Julian Marshall appeared to be clairvoyant with the future of Suede's demise, stating in his 2002 review of the song: "The sad truth is that 'Obsessions' may be Suede's last half-decent single. Sounding like 'Trash' mark 2, it's the best pick from an album that remains about as troubling to the UK Top Ten as
The Very Best of Echobelly. If Brett [Anderson] hasn’t made any resolutions for 2003 yet, let NME offer some advice - knock out the Greatest Hits and a final tour now, before everyone stops caring altogether."
The Guardian's Pete Stanton was favourable, who wrote in his review: "Brett Anderson's vocals can often sound not unlike a cat complaining to be let inside, but on this track he's toned down his trademark wail from an 11 to about a seven. The song is a lot better for this decision and dips and soars in all the right places." In a more mixed assessment, Gareth Dobson of
Drowned in Sound rated the single six out of ten. He felt that Suede's music and lyrics offered nothing new. While praising it as one of "Anderson’s best vocal performances," he said that the band produced "another sublime chorus of glittered sadness. Nothing changes in Suede world." ==Track listings==