I define critical listening as focusing only on the music-maybe not the precisely correct meaning. Lots of people-my daughters for example-always have music on, but its in the background, while they are doing other things. I bought them both a Morel Biggie to replace Alexa and they consider it high end.
When I listen critically, I try to devote at least an hour and try to clear my mind (with my mind, not a lot of deep thoughts to get out of the way). I'll admit that I enjoy the music, but also enjoy judging how its reproduced both in terms of the engineering, and by my equipment. For me, the performance of the gear is an integral part of the experience. I realize I could be voted off Audiophile Island for that damning admission.