A critical and major commercial success, it debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, marking Williams' second consecutive chart-topper, and has been certified 10× Platinum.

"[7] He noted the album "may suffer from comparisons to its excellent predecessor, but it also finds Robbie Williams weathering the sophomore storm quite well.

"[6] The Rough Guide to Rock contributor Jane Holly writes that the album received "great critical acclaim" and was "another eclectic mix of songs and styles", with the singer's "no-nonsense lyrics" evident on "Strong" and "No Regrets".

[8] In 2011, I've Been Expecting You was ranked at number 223 in Q's readers poll of the "250 Best Albums of the Last 25 Years"; the magazine wrote that the record "dials down the cabaret to gratifying effect", and drew attention to its ubiquitous singles.

The album also received attention outside the United Kingdom, particularly in continental Europe and Latin America, and has sold a total of five million copies worldwide.

I've Been Expecting You was ranked 91st in a 2005 survey held by British television's Channel 4 to determine the 100 greatest albums of all time.