AllMusic's Steve Losey said that "Myself When I Am Real is an exercise in well-produced, acoustically driven folk-pop that presents itself as a powerful package, eliciting one memorable song after another.

"[1] CCM Magazine's Lisa Tedder said that "Bebo Norman's Myself When I Am Real finds a middle ground between upbeat pop and introspective storytelling.

"[9] Christianity Today's Russ Breimeier said that "Myself When I Am Real suffers a little by allowing a mid-tempo folk shuffle to carry most of the songs on the album, a problem also present on Jennifer Knapp's The Way I Am (is it a coincidence that both artist's third national release have similar titles?).

His usually quiet and somewhat raspy baritone voice absolutely soars as he explores a tenor range that you never knew he was capable of singing, especially on 'Great Light of the World' and 'Our Mystery.'

Cross Rhythms' Trevor Kirk said that "overall, this is a reversion to the gentler feel of 'Ten Thousand Days' after the poppier sound of 'Big Blue Sky', but what hasn't changed is the obvious talent of the man, and this album showcases it perfectly.

"[3] Jesus Freak Hideout's John DiBiase said that "Bebo goes for broke lyrically on Myself When I Am Real, exposing his heart and soul to listeners, set to infectious rhythms.

"[6] McNeese followed with "Bebo Norman is wonderful at taking angst and directing it towards the heavens, where we are supposed to be bringing our burdens.

Facing the stage, hands folded in the classic prayer posture and placed vertically to one side of their face—the young ladies convey a reverence reserved only for the boyfriend who will always be out of reach.

"[8] The Phantom Tollbooth's John Wehrle said that "while this album has selected riveting songs, overall the project lacks the potential that Norman has to rock the Christian music world.