Andy Argyrakis of CCM magazine felt that "the veteran is still at the top of his game, once again redefining the contemporary pop sound he practically invented, alongside contemplative ballads the provide a strikingly vulnerable view of the singer/songwriter's soul.

"[6] Mark Rice of Jesus Freak Hideout felt that "It would be difficult to put it on par with his very best like Speechless, The Great Adventure, or Beauty will Rise, but it will find a good home in many year-end top 10 lists (this reviewer's included).

"[8] Also Jesus Freak Hideout's, John DiBiase wrote that "Ultimately, The Glorious Unfolding soars above most other projects from today's CCM artists (especially from the newer talent), but it doesn't quite continue with the steam that the first few songs lead off with.

[1] DeWayne Hamby, reviewing the album for Charisma, says, "The Glorious Unfolding...places the artist back in familiar territory as he alternates between up-tempo pop rock and heartfelt ballads interlaced with messages of hope and encouragement...not a reinvention but a new collection of songs that fits well in Chapman's impressive catalog of hits.

"[5] In addition, Andre noted that "Moving labels after this long signifies a new beginning, a rebirth of sorts, and boy has Steven Curtis Chapman recorded a fine, vulnerable and touching new album, one that will capture the hearts and minds of all who will listen, and changes us all from the inside out.

"[3] The Christian Music Review Blog's Jim Wilkerson felt the title track was disappointing, and even though "One of the traps he can sometimes fall into is letting some of his songs sound the same" that "he threw in enough surprises that he was able to avoid that in this album.