Thematically the album expounded on the issue of complacency and ignorance in popular culture and the discrimination of minorities, gays, and women.

The album was heavily praised by multiple music critics due to Lauper's creative growth and eclectic themes.

[4] Since its release, the album has been met with continued praise including the Songwriters' Hall of Fame noting the title track as one of Lauper's key songs in her catalog.

[5] The title of the album is a reference to the book The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley, which tells the legend of King Arthur from the point view of the female characters.

Cherish Alexander played lead guitar for Cyndi Lauper for the song Sisters of Avalon in the album.

[8] Upon release, Larry Flick of Billboard wrote: "The album plays to Lauper's considerable strengths as a vocalist and her marked maturity as a songwriter, with broad stylistic leanings.

The album was however more successful in Japan where it peaked at #15, spending 9 weeks on the chart and was eventually certified Gold for shipment of 100,000 copies.