The Allmusic review by Alex Henderson awarded the album 3 stars and states "Getting Sentimental isn't essential and isn't recommended to casual listeners; nonetheless, Evans' more obsessive fans will welcome this enjoyable, if imperfect, release with open arms".[2] The All About Jazz review by Russell Moon stated "Fantasy is to be commended for releasing Getting Sentimental as an example of what Evans was doing in early 1978, but the label has many other Bill Evans offerings which are superior".[3]