She added, "It deals with religious organizations and the power they have over their congregations, a theme that Dalbello unfolds in a way that grates on the edge of profanity while firing out the lyrics like a torrent of daggers.

"[5] Gerry Krochak of The Leader-Post considered the song to be one of the "marvelous vehicles" on she for Dalbello's "powerful, clear voice" and "talents as [a] songwriter, instrumentalist and programmer".

[8] Wallace Baine of the Santa Cruz Sentinel wrote, "Desire Walks On opens with a hurricane-force rocker called 'Black on Black II', propelled by a galloping guitar riff borrowed from the '70s hit 'Barracuda'.

"[9] Michael Dunn of The Tampa Tribune wrote, "With 'Desire' and 'Black on Black II' as dual openers, the band pushes the pedal to the metal with a 'Barracuda'-like riff that shatters the speed limit in most states.

"[12] Dale Martin of The Victoria Advocate considered the song's "hard-rock drive" to be "reminiscent of the group's 'Barracuda' days" and therefore "reassures fans that the band hasn't strayed far from its early sound".