The single was a number 1 hit in the UK and Ireland and reached the top ten in several European countries.

Stein recalled, "I wrote that one all by myself, but I was so nervous about having my own song, I asked [Debbie Harry] to put her name on it.

"[3] The early demo of the song had impressed producer Mike Chapman, who was initially wary of the band's sloppy performing.

[4] This early demo featured a Latin-influenced arrangement, which would transform into a more pop-inspired performance on the final album.

[5] Like Blondie's earlier single, "Hanging on the Telephone", the drumming pattern of "Sunday Girl" employs a double backbeat rhythm.

"Sunday Girl" was initially released in Australia as the lead single from Parallel Lines, but failed to chart; however, it was later re-released as a double A-side with "Heart of Glass", on the back of its UK success, resulting in the song reaching number five in the country.

The compilation was part of a 2-disc set called Blondie 4(0) Ever which included their 10th studio album Ghosts of Download and marked the 40th anniversary of the forming of the band.

"[13] Tom Maginnis of AllMusic wrote, "The song is pure pop, a dulcet, charming throwback to the innocent sounds of the Beach Boys and uninhibited music of early rock, particularly that of girl vocal groups such as the Ronnettes and the Shangri-Las.

Lush frontwoman Miki Berenyi stated during an interview that she had been "completely obsessed" with Blondie when she was younger, praising the band's lyricism.