Like its predecessor, In the Clear received favorable reviews after its release, with some critics appreciating the dreamy and impressive production on the tracks.

Similar to Ivy's previous releases, the album failed to peak on any significant record chart.

Jonathan Cohen from Billboard stated "The 10-track In the Clear blends the electronic-oriented sounds of 2001's Long Distance with the more guitar-driven leanings of Ivy's early albums".

[1] In the Clear begins with "Nothing But the Sky", a "dreamy, piano-laden" track that proves the album is one that "breathes easy" but it also able to "strut in slow motion".

[2] Single "Thinking About You" recaptures the "catchy" and "winsome mood" of Ivy's previous works, with a string arrangement from Brazilian musician Zé Louis.

[3] Third track "Keep Moving" is an "emotional" composition with a "tasteful trumpet solo";[3] the song is also influenced by disco and soft rock.

[3] "I've Got You Memorized" and "Ocean City Girl" both have "hypnotic" melodies, with the former being compared to The Cardigans' 1996 single "Lovefool",[3] while the latter reinforces the guitar emphasis of the album.

[6] In Michael Mikesell's PopMatters review, he found the tracks to be comparable with the works of the Cardigans, Pizzicato Five, Cocteau Twins and Lush; Mikesell praised Schlesinger's bass playing, but favored the tracks produced by Chase and Schlesinger to Osborne's.