Smithereens received generally positive reviews from music critics. Alex Nguyen of
The Line of Best Fit complimented Joji's "vulnerability" and his "vocal performance" on "Glimpse of Us", but found the album overall to have "the same consistency problems as
Nectar", "whether it's an underdeveloped track or one that meanders in a directionless fashion", along with being "less sonically adventurous than its predecessor, instead sticking to Miller's usual hazy synths and drum machines". Nguyen concluded that
Smithereens has "the capacity to be great but stumbles due to run-of-the-mill production [and] impassive vocal delivery." Neil Z. Yeung from
AllMusic wrote, "Clocking in at under 30 minutes,
Smithereens is the perfect length to wallow in sadness before wiping off the tears and carrying on. It's not the happiest of experiences, but it is his most mature and relatable statement to date." Reviewing the album for
Clash, James Mellen wrote that "Joji consistently reinvents himself and truly proves himself as one of the most interesting artists in the alternative, 'anti' pop sphere", calling the album a "concise, refined slice of that classic Joji sound, elevated by stronger songwriting and production choices". ==Track listing==