It’s a big statement being an artist who has been able to have the gift and the tenacity of longevity" On October 28, 2022, Keys published the first single from the album, "December Back 2 June".

[16] The album received generally positive reviews from music critics, who appreciated the production and arrangement of the songs matched with the singer's vocal abilities.

In her review for Vibe, Mya Abraham wrote that Santa Baby "blends the comfort of tradition with elevated, modern production, allowing listeners to bask in whatever they define the holidays to be.

[19] Jon Pareles, reviewing the album for The New York Times, describes Keys' vocals as "high, breathy and playful, and she allows herself to show scratches and imperfections", juxtaposed with a production composed of "elaborate arrangements" drawing from soul, gospel and jazz.

[12] Columbia Daily Tribune awarded the album five out of five stars, describing Santa Baby as "sleek, substantive and sexy", in which there is a "shimmering piano and forward-moving grooves [to] frame Keys' voice".