At the time of the single's release, the video was only shown once on UK television on Sally James' LWT show Saturday Scene.

[5] Upon its release as a single in the UK, Sue Byrom of Record Mirror & Disc described "Nobody's Fool" as "Slade at their best" and believed it would be an "instant hit".

"[7] John Hutson of the Thanet Times was also positive, remarking, "Enter Slade with style and a newly-found sophistication which epitomises their latest album – of which this is the title track.

The song is nicely controlled with lush piano and guitar chords to enfold Noddy Holder's vocals and gets well away from the group's former brash and raw image.

"[8] Ken Lawrence of the Sandwell Evening Mail considered it a "good song" and noted the "change of style from foot-stomp music to a less violent, easier-to-listen to brand".

[9] In a review of the single's US release, Record World wrote, "Slade's new streamlined sound displays less of the throaty coarseness of old and more of a melodic pop timbre.