[9] AllMusic critic Marcy Donelson said, "Despite its experimental elements and trippy sensibility, Beach Music is relentlessly intimate, moving, and hard to shake—a notable trait for a young if experienced recording artist.

Sophie Weiner of Rolling Stone stated, "By the time you've gotten used to Beach Music's relaxed melancholy, it's become a much-needed refuge.

"[17] Writing for The New York Times, Jon Pareles said, "Alex G's narrators have often been traumatized, druggie, lovesick or inscrutable, and moving up the indie-rock circuit hasn't made his new songs any more outgoing.

"[5] Stephen Jenkins of The Line of Best Fit wrote, "Whether it haunts you, puts you in a dreamlike state, or simply makes you hum along, Beach Music is an album which should be listened to without hesitation.

"[14] Consequence of Sound writer Adam Kivel said, "Beach Music feels like the work of an artist a few steps ahead of his audience, jumping to answer their expectations of a DIY darling taking on the trappings of a label.