Carlo Wolff of The Boston Globe wrote that "Bailey's most coherent and relaxed solo album chronicles his walk through city streets, his eyes turned toward the heavens".[10] Don McLeese of the Chicago Sun Times called Inside Out a "polished, consummately crafted collection."[11]Phyl Garland of Stereo Review exclaimed that Inside Out "has all the hall-marks of his style-vocal flexibility, a precise manner of punching out the words, and, of course, those spectacular high falsetto notes. What's different from his previous solo efforts is the music itself, which is brassier and closer to rock." Garland added "The knowing hand of producer Nile Rodgers, who seems to perceive exactly what will work for any particular artist, is much in evidence in settings that always complement rather than detract from Bailey's assertive solos."[12] Adam Sweeting of The Guardian called the album "an often incisive set of soul songs".[13] With a four out of five stars rating Thom Duffy of the Orlando Sentinel said "on this new album, Bailey aims for a polished yet punchy funk and ballad style."[8]David Toop of The Times noted that "Inside Out is produced by Nile Rodgers and is typical of his urban contemporary style. Unspectacular, but Bailey's falsetto is still wonderful."[14]
Fred Bayles of the Associated Press scribed "Inside Out, is a pop album that will grow on you even if you're not a fan of the genre. Just concentrate on that voice."[15]
