Billboard called the album "a modern masterpiece," writing that it "shines for its sonic presence as well as its inherent musical quality.

"[2] The New York Times wrote that "its rhythms flow in circulatory patterns guided by Ms. Ndegeocello's bass playing; guitars, strings and her guarded vocals intertwine like brain waves.

"[11] The Chicago Tribune called it "one long bittersweet downer.

"[1] Vibe called Bitter the "Album of the Year.

"[12] The Hartford Courant wrote that "though Bitter attempts to explore ambitious life themes about loyalty, faith, love and beauty, it instead commits the mortal sin of dullness.