Eric Stewart recalled, "While we were recording it, Kevin was coming out with some heavy statements like, 'I don't want to do any more crap like this,' after I played 'The Things We Do for Love' to him and Lol.

"[3] Record World called it a "well crafted tune with a crisp, pop sound".

[4] Cash Box called it a "pop record that combines the best of a strong Beatles influence with solid rock ’n’ roll and the luxuriant harmonies that characterized [10cc's] past efforts".

Australian singer Tina Arena released her version in November 2014, with money raised going towards the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

[29][30] Australian department store David Jones Limited used the song in their 2014 Christmas campaign.