After its release, it became a modest success in the United States, making #11 and #18 on the adult contemporary and mainstream rock charts respectively.

Hayward explained the origin of the song as follows:it came about because of where [producer Tony Visconti's] studio was, right in the middle of Soho in London and what we would do after we finished recording and [what was happening in] the clubs up and down Water Street.

"[5] In a contemporary review, Indiana-Penn critic Ward Allebach called "The Other Side of Life" "probably the strongest track have put out since their Long Distance Voyager album six years ago.

[7] Davis described the song's theme as being "inspecting the other side of life," saying that "We never really learn what that means, but, heck, the music is beautiful and Hayward's voice still sounds like a songbird.

"[7] New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung critic Tom Labinski said that the song "features some great ensemble performances and Hayward's vocals sound better than they have in years.