The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel marked Newman's second collaboration with Madden after The Debt (2010).

[1] Madden described it as an unconventional score where each cue has its own feeling and not a series of tunes.

[1][2] Filmtracks.com wrote "Newman clearly had fun with this score, and as long as you don't have an aversion to stereotypical Indian musical tones, that spirit will be contagious.

"[3] James Southall of Movie Wave, described it as a "colourful album" and wrote "while those with an intolerance to the Bollywood style will find those influences seriously harm their capacity to take much from it, others will discover Thomas Newman’s most enjoyable album in years.

"[4] David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter wrote "Thomas Newman's flavorful score adds to the intoxicating sensory overload.