The song "Listen", written and co-produced by Phil Thornalley, was later re-recorded for his solo album Swamp, also released in 1988.

[7] Michael Sutton of AllMusic wrote, "The music on Turn Back the Clock is generally upbeat synth pop, but the words are often sad.

Although Johnny Hates Jazz offer no profound revelations about failed relationships or lost love, there is genuine emotion beneath the studio luster of "What Other Reason," "Different Seasons," "Don't Let It End This Way," and "Foolish Heart."".

The viewer described the album as "a true guilty pleasure" with "no artistic risks yet it's too hummable to ignore."

Spin wrote, "They commit many cardinal musical sins, like being satisfied to have reached page three of their MIDI handbook, and figuring they now know everything there is to know about their new synths.