When comparing the Kinks' original version of "Dandy" to Herman's Hermits' cover, Stewart Mason of AllMusic said, "Herman's Hermits would have the US hit with Ray Davies' 'Dandy,' but the Kinks' own version, from 1966's masterful Face To Face, is far superior to Peter Noone's charming but gormless rendition."
Stewart Mason's assessment of the two versions of "Dandy" emphasizes the Kinks' superior recording, which surpasses Herman's Hermits' cover in quality and charm.