Backed by the much more covered Chris White composition "I Love You", "Whenever You're Ready" has received critical acclaim both upon release and retrospectively Towards the end of April 1965, the Zombies embarked on their second national US tour.

[10] A few weeks after this, on 24 June, the group once again returned to Decca Studios number two in order to record an entire batch of songs, including "Whenever You're Ready.

[5] Unlike their earlier singles, that generally fared better in Cashbox's list, "Whenever You're Ready was an even minor hit, only reaching number 114 on that chart.

[8] According to Blunstone, the lack of success with the single was largely due to their vocal performance, as although he liked the song, he thought the harmonies sounded better live.

[8] Argent, expressed frustration at the lack of success, stating that he really believed "Whenever You're Ready" would become a hit, though acknowledging that the record-buyers had the primary power in this.

In a review for Cashbox magazine the single was introduced as "The Zombies should have no difficulty in zooming up the hitsville path lickety-split with this ultra-commercial Parrot offering called “Whenever You’re Ready.

In a review for New Musical Express, critic Derek Johnson stated "piano and cymbals support the soloist at the outset, then it breaks into a unison-vocal mid-shaker.

"[20] He writes that he enjoyed their rhythm and blues-influenced music while simultaneously praising Colin Blunstone for his vocal output, which Johnson believes works because he doesn't resort to shouting.

[21] He states that the "lush" melody is reminiscent of both Burt Bacharach and Brian Wilson, calling it a "stylish slice of Beach Boys-inspired pop".