The Washington Post wrote that while Brown's "voice is pliable enough to expertly handle a laconic blues like 'My Jug and I', its bellowing force remains its greatest asset."
The Boston Globe said that "Brown's deep, rich voice is pure blues, but always shaded with a soaring gospel feel." The
New York Daily News praised the "authentic R&B shouter sound."
The Buffalo News determined that "the change of pace is his stock-in-trade, and he's satisfying at any speed."
The Press of Atlantic City called Brown a master "of sacred music and R&B," writing that
Something Gonna Jump Out the Bushes! may prove to be one of the best albums of 1988.
The Commercial Appeal concluded that the album shows "that it's possible for a '50s survivor to do something besides recycle past glories." The
Columbia Record labeled the album "such a powerful effort," writing that "Brown has a special honesty in his voice."
AllMusic praised "Black Top's superb house horn section."
The Grove Press Guide to the Blues on CD noted that "Brown's voice strains at times," but advised listeners to "indulge the tall fellow his occasional PG-13 naughtiness."
The Rolling Stone Album Guide stated that "Brown is in great, gruff voice." ==Track listing==