Editors at AnyDecentMusic? rated this album a 6.8 out of 10, based on nine reviews.[1] According to the review aggregator Metacritic, Cosmic Wink received "generally favorable reviews" based on a weighted average score of 77 out of 100 from eight critic scores.[2] Rachel Rascoe of The Austin Chronicle gave Cosmic Wink 3.5 out of 5 stars, writing that "the oft-tread subject of love isn't overdone, but rather revived.".[3] In The Independent, Nick Hasted scored this album 4 out of 5, writing that the album's "echoing sound allows a sort of resonant, gigantic intimacy over rhythms of mostly languid steadiness".[4] Writing for Loud and Quiet, Max Pilley rated this release 7 out of 10, summing up, "it’s hard to imagine that many people from any walk of life will listen and fail to find something to admire".[5] Emily Mackay of The Observer gave Cosmic Wink 3 out of 5 stars, comparing Williamson favorably to Cat Power and Neil Young.[6]Paste's Madison Desler rated this release an 8.2 out of 10, stating that "Williamson wrings new insight and feeling out of" love songs, with lyrics that are "free of sappiness or the numbing effect of anything trite".[7] Hannah Flint of Q gave Cosmic Wink 3 out of 5 stars, writing that Williamson finds her voice on this release and "her melodies hit you right in the heart".[8]
