The song features vocals by lead-singer Sandra St. Victor, who also co-wrote it, and was an international hit, peaking at number ten in the UK in April 1990.

Andrew Hamilton from AllMusic commented, "The much ballyhooed "Ghetto Heaven" attempts to capture the power of Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield in social significancy but has the impact of a mosquitoe.

"[5] Bill Coleman from Billboard stated that "this multitalented outfit stands to win on its own terms this time out with an aggressively funky R&B track of considerable merit.

[6] Greg Sandow from Entertainment Weekly viewed it as "a look at how people use love, liquor, and religion to escape the troubles of life".

[2] Carol Irving from Smash Hits complimented it as "a brooding, deeply groovy work of genius" and "so brilliant".

[8] Mitch Potter from Toronto Star remarked the "percolating funk" of "Ghetto Heaven", "a portrait of oppressive street life that describes three escape routes (drugs, love, religion)".