The song was released in July 2000 as the lead single from the band's third studio album What Are Rock Stars Doing Today.

In the early stages of writing the band's third studio album, lead singer Adalita Srsen had dealt with a lot of angst and emotionally raw issues in the previous releases and was now in a different headspace.

Days later, sifting through her recorder, intending to show bassist Dean Turner another song, the cassette stopped at her rough version of "Dirty Jeans".

[2] Double J said "With its bright pop hooks, handclaps and Ronettes inspiration shining through, you can understand why 'Dirty Jeans' remains one of Magic Dirt's most subversive moments.

"[1] Junkee said Magic Dirt, "captured the grimy Aussie suburban existence better than most bands in the '90s, and "Dirty Jeans", with its mountains of guitar fuzz and Adalita's classic laconic vocal, will raise hairs on your neck and draw eyeliner on your eyes.