In their retrospective review, AllMusic noted that effectively compiling Supertramp's work is impossible since the group is so album-oriented.

However, they offered a relative recommendation for The Very Best of Supertramp, saying that "it flows very smoothly" and is "the closest thing to a definitive overview of the '70s pop-prog group.

"[1] A Dutch release, also titled The Very Best of Supertramp, was issued in late 1989, featuring the same tracks but in a different order and a different sleeve.

Given its success, A&M did not officially release the alternative The Very Best of Supertramp in the Netherlands, although it has now replaced the Arcade version.

All tracks are written by Roger Hodgson & Rick Davies, except where notedThe cassette version also included "Even in the Quietest Moments", "Sister Moonshine" and "Free as a Bird".