[3][4] Mark Deming of Allmusic said that This Charming Life "represents the toughest and most aggressive music she's recorded since Walk Under Ladders and The Key.

He praised "the force of the music and the passion of the songs", concluding that Armatrading remains "a masterful songwriter [who] speaks with wisdom, clarity, and fire".

[6] Charles Donelan of the Santa Barbara Independent commented: "It's exciting to hear rock music this raw and vibrant filtered through the sensibility of such an articulate and experienced songwriter".

[2] William Douglas McClatchy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette commented that "This Charming Life showcases [Armatrading's] eclectic blend of rock, pop, rhythm & blues and a hint of reggae.

"[7] Christian John Wikane of Pop Matters described the album as "a musical statement that brings all of her talents – writing, playing, producing, and maximizing the idiosyncrasies of her malleable voice—into sharp focus".