On 4 September 2013, Yuna released the cover artwork for Nocturnal, which depicts her in a floral foreground setting.

[4] It garnered a positive review from MTV Hive, who described the song as a "kick-yourself-in-the-ass ray of sunshine".

Matt Collar of AllMusic rated the album four out of five stars, stating that it delivers a "delicate girl power vibe", while comparing Yuna's vocals to those of Sixpence None the Richer's Leigh Nash and English recording artist Ellie Goulding.

[12] The Boston Globe's Ken Capobianco gave the album a positive review, noting that it "fleshes out her [Yuna's] acoustic soul while moving toward dance territory".

[13] MTV Iggy's Laura Studarus described the album as a guide towards a twinking blend of different genres.