[1] Awarding the album three and a half stars for CCM Magazine, Grace S. Aspinwall says, "A bit more innovation would have been nice, but his performances are passionate and moving.

"[2] Marcus Hathcock, rating the album four stars at New Release Tuesday, writes, "Real Love is a solid offering by a fantastic vocalist and worshipper in Johnson.

"[6] Indicating in a four and a half star review by Worship Leader, Jay Akins states, "Derek has given the Church a wonderful new body of Jesus-and-gospel-centered worship music...Strong vocals, great music, and powerful life-changing truth make this record a must for the modern Church.

"[7] Giving the album four stars by Jono Davies from Louder Than the Music, describes, "this is all about one thing, and that is songs that take the listener closer to God and thankfully Derek Johnson captures that brilliantly.

"[3] Rating the album a nine out of ten for Cross Rhythms, Tony Cummings writes, "Derek has demonstrated he has a lot more excellent material.