Critic Ned Raggett called the album a "scuzzy masterpiece" that saw "Cave's now-demonic vocals in full roar while the rest of the players revamped rhythm & blues and funk into a blood-soaked exorcism."[11] Julian Marszalek of The Quietus writes that "Junkyard still sounds as if it’s waiting for rock music to catch up with it," calling it "a high example of uncompromised music and art [...] that exists purely on its own terms."[12]

In October 2010, Junkyard was listed at No. 17 in the book, 100 Best Australian Albums.[13] The album was also included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.[14]