“This is one of those songs that makes your skin crawl as you listen to the celebratory tone used to praise a man for lying to his wife.” Plugged In

Community feedback ranges from high praise for the song’s catchiness to sharp criticism of its lyrical themes. “I love it.. Unholy is the best song of 2022.” TikTok · cbcgem · 3 years ago

: Critics describe the track as a radical departure for Smith, moving away from soulful ballads into a "villain era" marked by "grinding" basslines, Middle Eastern chord progressions, and an eerie cathedral-like choir effect.

“The cell phone audio makes it feel like you're outside a weird club, listening in. Released version is too clean.” TikTok · jarred jermaine · 3 years ago