Morrissey was inspired lyrically by the suedehead subculture, recalling an individual from his teenage years in the context of the movement.

Upon release, the song saw commercial success, reaching number five in the UK, as well as rave reviews for its Smiths-esque musicianship and the new Morrissey-Street writing team.

Morrissey wrote the lyrics to "Suedehead" about a figure he knew from his teenage years, though he refused to specify the individual in an interview, commenting, "I'd rather not give any addresses and phone numbers at this stage."

[6] With a band including Street, Vini Reilly, and Andrew Paresi, Morrissey attempted the song in his first solo recording session.

"[8] Morrissey commented in a 1988 interview that he was worried it "would gasp in the higher 30s and disintegrate" and that he was hesitant to release it but was "carried along on a wave of general enthusiasm.

"[9] The record label's affinity for the song helped assuage concerns with Street writing the whole Viva Hate album.

The commercial and critical success convinced Morrissey to continue his collaboration with Street, who recalled, "It wasn't until 'Suedehead' came out at the end of February – and got fantastic reviews across the board – that he got back in touch with me again.

NME gave the single 'Single of the Week 2' saying that "his vocals hit a pitch that turns your stomach with queasy delight.

[14] Sounds said in a 1988 article, "The song was not as good as prime Smiths, but it was a beautifully reflective tune, showing that ex-Smiths co-producer Stephen Street could step into Marr's previous role as composer.

"[5] In a retrospective review for AllMusic, critic Ned Raggett described it as "a memorable number, with Street's subtle orchestrations carrying the sweep of the song.

"[15] Spin rated it his second best, writing, "The show of confidence on Morrissey’s debut solo single felt nothing less than triumphant.

"[16] Consequence named it his fifth best, concluding, "Though 'Suedehead' is as jangly as any number of Smiths songs, it was just Morrissey enough to mark the clear start of a new era.