Since its release, "Moonage Daydream" has received critical acclaim, with many deeming Ronson's guitar work as the clear standout. In his book "The Complete David Bowie", Nicholas Pegg praises Ronson's guitar solo, calling it "spectacular" and a "vital ingredient" to the recording. He describes it as arguably Ronson's finest on a Bowie recording and renowned among guitarists as an "all-time classic." Reviewing the album for its 40th anniversary, Jordan Blum of "PopMatters" describes "Moonage DayDream", "Hang On to Yourself" and "It Ain't Easy" as "invigorating rockers" that are highlighted by Ronson's "electrifying timbres." Following Bowie's death in 2016, "Rolling Stone" listed "Moonage Daydream" as one of his 30 essential songs, giving unanimous praise to Ronson's guitar work, calling it some of the most "jaw-dropping" of his career. Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic praises Ronson's guitar work, writing "[Ronson] plays with a maverick flair that invigorates rockers like "Suffragette City", "Moonage Daydream" and "Hang On to Yourself"." Ned Raggett, also of AllMusic, calls the track one of Bowie's "fiercest rockers ever". He continues, "As a prototype of glam rock's still-influential formula – descending, slow chords; high singing; sexually charged if not exploded imagery; thick, fat feedback; and more –it nails it on every level." He finishes his review writing: "Ronson's keyboards and final, swirling string arrangement, matched with a brilliant guitar solo, prove the icing on the cake, sealing "Moonage Daydream" forever as a rock classic."