[8] The Boston Globe thought that "Rose, who has one of the most copied vocal styles in reggae, acquits himself well with both love songs and social commentary.
"[8] The Chicago Tribune called the album "a fetching swirl of old and new reggae styles charged with Rose's soulful crooning and topical lyrics.
"[9] The Boston Herald deemed it "a near-masterpiece" and "a blast of roots rhythm and attitude that remains undiluted by the sleek, up-to-the-minute production of Mafia and Fluxy.
"[3] The Times-Picayune wrote that Dance Wicked is "a marriage of old and new, in which contemporary, hip-hop-influenced programmed beats and rhythms are overlaid with Rose's roots reggae vocal delivery.
"[10] AllMusic wrote that "Dance Wicked is a stellar set, a sumptuous aural banquet that may start in the past, but moves the party quickly into the present and well into the wee hours, as Rose's words and the diverse music really begin to hit home.