This is Squeeze's first studio album in 12 years, and introduces new members Stephen Large (keyboards) and Simon Hanson (drums) to the fold.

Spot the Difference also marks the return of bassist John Bentley to the group; he last played on a Squeeze studio album 28 years previously (1982's Sweets from a Stranger).

On the re-record of "Loving You Tonight", Tilbrook sings the lead vocal that Carrack sang on the original version.

Mark Kemp of Rolling Stone was largely dismissive of Spot the Difference,[1] proclaiming the record "completely superfluous" and alleging it to be a "cynical ploy to sell an oldies tour".

[1] Steven Erlewine of Allmusic, meanwhile, felt that the CD was "a fun spin for the devoted and a good advertisement for Squeeze’s reunion tour".