The song, written by group members Elizabeth Fraser, Robin Guthrie and Simon Raymonde, was a moderate hit in several countries and very popular in Portugal.

[2] Jason Ankeny from AllMusic stated that songs like "Evangeline" "continue the trio's advance into more accessible melodic and lyrical ground without sacrificing even an ounce of their trademark ethereality.

"[12] Stuart Bailie from NME found that "it has the kind of cheesy drum fills and forlorn arpeggios that would sound at home on a Des O'Connor record.

"[13] Ted Drozdowski from Rolling Stone wrote that it "ride gentle guitar-bass-drums grooves that allow Fraser to insinuate her phrases into choruses based on memorable melodies that pack a sweet-tooth rush.

"[14] Alec Foege from Spin magazine named it one of the album's three most successful songs, noting that it "swells with the effects-treated grandeur of Simon Raymonde and Robin Guthrie's accompaniment".