[7][8] The single was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal,[9] and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in September of the same year.

[11] The song, as well as the album on which it is featured, was a marked departure from Chicago's traditional soft rock, horn-driven sound, taking on a polished and modern feel.

With minimal horns, the track instead featured more layered synthesizers and heavier distorted guitar in a 1980s power ballad styling.

[12] Deviating from Chicago's practice of having mostly band members playing on their albums, "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" featured several session musicians.

American R&B group Az Yet included a cover version of "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" on their 1996 self-titled debut album, which was produced by Babyface.

[44] A remix version by David Foster[45] was released as a single on February 3, 1997 and features vocals from Peter Cetera.