"[11] In another positive review, Heather Phares of AllMusic wrote "It's apt that Always was made with Xiu Xiu's devoted fans in mind, since these catchy, desperate, searing, and searching songs aren't always the most accessible, but they show exactly why this band has such a dedicated audience.

Club's Tuyet Nguyen gave the album a grade of "B+," writing "Jamie Stewart is definitely a bummer.

They open old wounds with the grace of a jagged knife, and the catharsis feels great.

Chris Bosman of Beats Per Minute criticized the album for rehashing the sound and lyrical matters of earlier Xiu Xiu albums, writing "So here's a sad truth about people: once they understand the tactics you're using to get your message across, the message loses its impact if you still attempt to approach them from that angle.

"[6] Pitchfork contributor Carrie Batton also agreed in an otherwise positive review, writing "The difficulty for both casual and hardcore fans is that the receptors attuned to the Xiu Xiu experience have become desensitized, so that when a new album comes along, you have to ask yourself: Why should I even bother to listen to this?