The album marked Tears for Fears' comeback following a hiatus in the late 1990s, as well as the return of founding member Curt Smith.

In 2020, after Orzabal and Smith signed with Irving and Jeff Azoff's Full Stop management company the record appeared on various streaming services worldwide.

[5] James Christopher Monger of AllMusic gave a positive review, giving the album four stars, observing.

"Everybody Loves a Happy Ending will do little to convert those who winced at Orzabal and Smith's obtuse lyrics and over the top production the first time around, but loyal followers, fans of XTC's Apple Venus, Pt.

1, and lovers of intricately arranged and artfully executed pop music will find themselves delightfully consumed by another chapter from this enigmatic group.