[10] The Independent said that the songs "are given the widescreen Bowie treatment, with fat brass licks and plangent harmonies delivered over a tuba-driven pulse that is most effective.

"[14] The Jerusalem Post noted that "the most striking feature of Bowie's work was his ability to lace even the most amorphous material with tongue-in-cheek humor.

"[5] Jazziz opined that "the best cuts combine blaring horns with a thick bassline (played on a tuba) and could be the greatest blaxploitation soundtrack ever—if a movie could be made that was worthy of the music.

[8] The Philadelphia Inquirer stated that Bowie "easily spins through jazz, soul and reggae with great zest, humor and veritas.

"[6] AllMusic labeled When the Spirit Returns "a fitting final project, and easily the most consistent and realized of all the Brass Fantasy albums.