[1] A mostly stylistically traditional release, the record was followed-up by an ambient album titled Wind Down on 18 March 2022, created with German artificial intelligence media company Endel to help listeners fall asleep.

According to Surej Singh at NME, the song featured "rhythmic drum patterns, cascading synths and layered vocals that give the tender and delicate track an emotional touch.

"[19] Ben Tipple of DIY wrote that the album "presents James as he currently stands; at once nostalgic and forward-thinking, and firmly back behind the decks", describing it as having "newfound frenetic energy".

[20] Under the Radar critic Mariel Fechik said, "Though Playing Robots into Heaven recalls some of Blake's more inscrutable, cloistered years as a musician, it also offers the clarity and confidence of someone who could do anything—but has chosen this.

"[21] At The Line of Best Fit, Elliot Burr felt that, "With skills and interests cemented across various styles, [Blake's] figuring out in real time exactly what he does best – providing floor fillers to club crowds or elevating his performances through complex production.

"[18] For Pitchfork, Dash Lewis concluded, "The results make for an inspired evolution of his sound, with Blake occasionally glancing in the rearview mirror as he moves in a new direction.