Thom Jurek of AllMusic stated, "While Juice is mostly engaging and satisfying, the pervasive "let's just see what happens" approach MSMW took here also has a downside: it delivers a self-contented vibe rather than one of discovery that their previous records revealed in spades."[2] Writing for JazzTimes, Shaun Brady commented, "A staggering range of influences and approaches on its own, taken in conjunction with Juice the album spotlights just how much terrain this trio can cover while maintaining its expansive but recognizable collective identity."[5] Troy Collins of All About Jazz added, "Considering its winning combination of tuneful melodies, danceable rhythms and earthy textures, Juice is Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood's most appealing, cohesive and consistently engaging release to date."[1]
In his review for PopMatters, Will Layman wrote, "The fact that Juice is so easy to enjoy doesn't make it lesser. Every one of MSMW is capable of crazier, more wild playing. But the band's strength is in its ability to go all sorts of ways, to steer with or against the wind. Now they're on tour, where on one night they may stretch further OUT or steer more directly into the crowd's desire for groove. They do it with intelligence and a sure hand. For this recording, just sit back and enjoy the ride."[4]
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