The Orphan's Lament

Professional ratings

Review scores
Source	Rating
AllMusic	[13]
Entertainment Weekly	A−[14]
MusicHound World: The Essential Album Guide	[8]

Entertainment Weekly praised the "rich, piercingly evocative musical universe."^[14] The New York Times wrote that "the group has met Western listeners partway, keeping songs short and varied; some sound like Appalachian rural tunes from half a world away."^[15] The San Diego Union-Tribune noted that "the vocal intensity has been toned down in places and there is a greater emphasis on lilting instrumental work."^[16] The Record stated that "there are subtle rhythmic patterns and even subtler musical textures that imitate the sound of creatures and the wind of the Siberian plains."^[11]

AllMusic wrote: "Not content to blindly follow traditional Central Asian folk music, Huun Huur Tu's four, sometimes five, performers create an ensemble that offers a complex, fascinating, and harmonious mixture."^[13] The album was included in 1,000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die.^[17] In 2003, The Independent listed it among the 50 essential "world music" albums.^[18]