It was the first single released from that album, but it did not chart in the United States in its original studio version, which was influenced by music hall styles.

[4][5][better source needed] Its success in Japan, as well as the success of its preceding single "Clock Strikes Ten", paved the way for Cheap Trick's concerts at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo in April 1978 that were recorded for the group's most popular album, Cheap Trick at Budokan.

Years later, Rick Nielsen and Tom Petersson criticized the lightweight production of "I Want You to Want Me" as it originally appeared on their 1977 second album, In Color.

Producer Tom Werman explains: "'I Want You To Want Me' was a fabulous dance hall type of song, and a perfect pop tune, and it was meant to be a little campy.

[citation needed] In 1997, the band recorded another version as part of a complete remake of In Color with producer Steve Albini.

Thirty-three years after the Budokan version became Cheap Trick's first top ten hit, the band recorded a festive version of the song with the same arrangement, but with slightly modified lyrics, called "I Want You for Christmas", included on A Very Special Christmas: 25 Years Bringing Joy to the World, in 2012.

[11] Cash Box said that it's "a slick piece of pop-rock written by its goofy guitarist, Rick Nielsen" and "though the lyrics are terribly original, it's a pleasant tune, impeccably produced by Tom Werman.

[14] In the 2007 book Shake Some Action: The Ultimate Power Pop Guide, a section on Cheap Trick featured reviews on the top 20 stand-out tracks from the band.

"[15] Billboard magazine found the live version to be "high energy" with "an infectious melody and raspy guitar work.