[5] Wailer wanted to incorporate a dance hall element into the album's sound.

It's a richly melodic, uplifting set from start to finish, spearheaded by the bold and caring vocals of a reggae veteran.

"[17] The Chicago Tribune concluded that, "while not as aggressively 'dancey' as some material now in the marketplace, parts of Gumption are indeed given a 'synthetic' shading by electronic drum beats—although that's generally balanced by a more 'human,' emotional feeling stemming from ebullient melodies and Wailer's warm vocals.

"[11] The Los Angeles Daily News noted that "the majority of tracks here are lackluster and say nothing new rhythmically.

"[14] AllMusic wrote that "Wailer uses simplicity to great advantage... His consistency is a thing to admire.