A version of the track appeared on A Guy Called Gerald's 1988 album Hot Lemonade, and the original single was later released in the United States in 1989 by Warlock Records.

[2] The session featured production assistance from the duo of Aniff Akinola and Colin Thorpe (together credited as Chapter), as well as engineer Lee Monteverde.

[2] "Voodoo Ray" received support from local DJs and became popular at Factory Records' Manchester nightclub The Haçienda.

Bill Coleman of Billboard magazine commented on the single in March 1989: "Underground smash in the U.K. last summer utilizes the most intriguing elements of acid house and places them in a thoroughly engrossing dance setting.

Yearning female chant and irresistible instrumental hook has the potential to make a huge impression with club and alternative programmers.

"[11] In 2019, journalist Matt Anniss wrote that "Voodoo Ray" "may now be one of the most recognizable House records ever made, but the track has lost none of its charm or power.

"[1] Anniss also opined that the four-track EP "has held up remarkably well," calling the additional tracks "similarly weighty, inspired and off kilter.

[14] The song is featured on the soundtrack of Michael Winterbottom's 2002 film 24 Hour Party People, which follows the history of Factory Records and the Madchester scene.

[16] The song is also featured on the fictional house radio station SF-UR in the 2004 video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.