 For MetalSucks, Axl Rosenberg called "Tourniquet" and "Lunchbox" some of "Manson's best early material".AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine said that "Not every [Marilyn Manson] single had a great hook -- 'Tourniquet' is a moody dirge, indicative of what awaits a listener on the album tracks".Matt Zakosek of "The Chicago Maroon" called the track "weary Goth-rock junk" and criticized its inclusion on the greatest hits album "" (2004).