Closer garnered generally positive reception from twelve music critics ratings and reviews. At AllMusic, Jared Johnson rated the album three-and-a-half stars, stating how the release "finds him at his deepest and most thought-provoking". Grace S. Aspinwall of CCM Magazine rated the album three stars, writing that the release "is a brave and courageous peak inside his heart." At Jesus Freak Hideout, Kevin Hoskins rated the album three-and-a-half stars, saying "this is a very good and expectedly diverse" release. Scott Fryberger of Jesus Freak Hideout rated the album three stars, stating that it is "just a radio playlist." At About.com, Kim Jones rated the album three-and-a-half stars, writing that "On all 13 tracks, he shares beautiful examples of finding hope in the pain, light in the darkness." Jennifer E. Jones of Christian Broadcasting Network rated the album four spins, writing that "listeners will be encouraged that hard times are inevitable but God’s grace is everlasting." At Cross Rhythms, Tom Lennie rated the album nine squares, saying it is "A beautiful, deeply moving batch of fresh songs from this most gifted of singer/songwriters." Jeremy V. Jones of Christianity Today rated the album two stars, stating that "Unfortunately, a closer look behind Closer's soundtrack-ready pop production reveals more broad vagary than depth." Melodic's Cor Jan Kat rated the album three-and-a-half stars, remarking that "The sound of the album is really good and producer Christopher Stevens gets the credits for that." At Christian Music Zine, Tyler Hess rated the album two-and-a-half stars, writing that "Shawn McDonald's 'Closer' is not an album of personal triumph, but one of renewed joy in the midst of self-inflicted wounds." Jono Davies of Louder Than the Music rated the album four stars, saying that McDonald "is a talented songwriter who has just created really interesting album." At The Phantom Tollbooth, Scott S. Mertens gave a positive review of the album, stating how the release contains "all the story telling, praise and worship, and musical prowess as previous efforts but with a much more polished pop sensibility."
Commercial performance
For the Billboard charting week of April 9, 2011, Closer was the No. 170 most sold album in the entirety of the United States by the Billboard 200, and it was the No. 14 most sold Top Christian Album.
