It is the first Pretenders album since 2002's Loose Screw to feature original member Martin Chambers, who was absent on Break Up the Concrete and Alone.

[8] Wayne Perry of Associated Press considers Hate for Sale "among the best this legendary band has ever produced" with special attention to James Walbourne's guitar work and songwriting.

[20] For the London Evening Standard, Rachel McGrath rated the album a four out of five stars, calling out several tracks and Walbourne's musicianship as well.

[16] American Songwriter's Hal Horowitz gave the same score, writing that Chrissie Hynde is as relevant and talented as ever in her over 40 years as a performer.

[11] Writing for The Arts Desk, Asya Draganova also points out Hynde's vitality as a punk musician and sums up the album as "a fun, melodic, and memorable listen".