Cash Box called "Ecstasy" a "melodic gem" with an "appetizing mixture of smooth harmony and driving rhythm" and a "superb lead guitar break."[4] Record World said of "Ecstasy" that "With vocal harmonies reminiscent of Beatle days and gutsy, driving guitar work, this Jimmy Jenner-produced masterpiece is a monster from the word go" and that the "tune molds vocals and instrumentals in a manner that belies its hard rock sound."[5] Rohn regarded it as the best song on Side 3.[3]
Music journalist Ken Sharp rated it the Raspberries 2nd best song, saying that "the Who are clearly the model for this perfect union of power and pop, a number one hit in a better universe."[6] Sharp also praised Wally Bryson's guitar playing on the song, as well as Jim Bonfanti's "brilliant Keith Moon-styled drum orgasim in the bridge."[6] Allmusic critic Mark Deming said that "on 'Ecstasy,' the whole band delivers a loving mash note to the Who."[7] The Guardian critic Michael Hann said that it "sounds as if [the Raspberries] had finally achieved their aim of melding the Who and the Beach Boys."[8]
Ultimate Classic Rock critic Dave Swanson rated it as the Raspberries' 3rd best song, just ahead of "Tonight".[9] Swanson said that it "has the heavier riff [than 'Tonight'] and the reckless abandon bridge that gives the Who a run for their money."[9] Swanson also praised Bonfanti's Keith Moon-style drumming and Bryson's "blistering" guitar solo at the end of the song.[9]
"Ecstasy" has appeared on several Raspberries compilation albums and a live version was included on Carmen's solo compilation album The Essential Eric Carmen.[10]
