[3] Producer Pip Williams said:Justin wrote the song and prepared a demo at home with exactly the same verse/chorus structure as the finished product.

We did try it with Graeme [Edge] playing real kit, but Jus preferred that metronomic machine groove, which does work well with Patrick [Moraz'] bass line.

"[4] Philadelphia Daily News critic Jonathan Takiff said that the lyrics show Hayward to be "the perennial melancholy man, decrying the 'Blue World' out there.

"[6] The Morning Call said that "'Blue World', with its heavy bass line and Hayward's rather mechanical vocal, will please (momentarily) pseudo new-wavers.

"[9] News-Pilot critic Michael Davis called it "a fine medium tempo song reminiscent of a good Paul McCartney solo tune brimming with unique sounds and unexpected melodies.

[10] Jim Sanville of the Evening Express called it "an ear catching pop number" and "the type of song strong enough to provide momentum" to the Moody Blues into the 1980s.

"[12] Jim Bohen of the Daily Record said that the song "serves up a likeable tune and a mildly philosophical lyric to a soft-rock beat and billowing synthesizer accompaniment.

[15] In the Kansas City Star, Tim McGraw complained about the song's "sophomoric lyricism", asking "How many times can the message that the world is unjust and lacks compassion be regurgitated without people failing to take it seriously.

[19] SingersRoom critic Edward Tomlin rated it as the band's 6th best song, saying that "it captivates listeners with its dreamy melody and poignant lyrics.