In March 2012, Billboard reported that Battleground was "slated to arrive stateside this fall" as the band's second US release, after their debut EP.

Following the Wanted member Tom Parker's death from a brain tumour on 30 March 2022, "Gold Forever" surged in sales and streams.

The song is also a commercial success in the United States, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart as of 29 March 2012.

"[4] Nick Levine wrote for BBC that the album is "a solid pop platter that's not lacking in personality – even if the latter does manifest itself in a smattering of lyrics clunkier than testing day at the seat belt factory.

"[6] Robert Copsey wrote for Digital Spy that "Though the end result shows that they may have taken the battle of the boybands a touch too seriously, much to their credit they come out the other side largely unscathed.

"[7] David Griffiths wrote for 4Music that "it's an album which wisely leaves the listener wanting more and suggests that this is a band with a very bright future.

"[5] Matthew Horton wrote a mixed review for Virgin Media that "It's a curiously bloodless affair though, with none of the boys yet to establish an identity, and too much sails past without leaving an impression.

[13] The album has since been certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for sales of over 300,000 copies in the United Kingdom.