The Monthly Film Bulletin wrote: "This flaccid tear-jerker scarcely fulfils the promise implicit in the rousing version of "Let the Good Times Roll" which accompanies the credits.

Unconvincing settings and backgrounds ... uneasy handling of crowd scenes and extras, and some self-conscious small-part playing add to the air of disjointed aimlessness, and most of the lively moments come from Ray Charles and his band. ...

Charles has an undeniable authority and panache and gives a striking demonstration of the art of revitalising clichés, only occasionally sinking into his most lachrymose vein.

If the story had been merely a functional peg on which fo hang the star's musical expertise it would not have mattered, but the saccharine tale of little blind David is given considerable prominence, and the child aotor, Piers Bishop, has been coached to tearjerking extremes.

...There is, however, a pretty good ration of Ray Charles, his orchestra, the Raelets and some typical songs, of which "Unchain My Heart" is a real toetapper.