Clarissa Oon compares the album with U2's Pop.

Patrick Kastner's review: "Brighten does combine many of the best elements of Pavement's first three full-lengths, creating what might be considered the definitive Pavement album." Rated 7.5.

David Fenton's review: "It's not the first listen, and it's not the second, but somewhere around three or four you'll find this album making perfect sense." With audio clips.

Marc Attenberg's review: "Pavement has finally achieved a consistently lush recording of its work; everything sounds great here."