"Music & Media" called it "heaven on earth", adding that Pierson's voice is "as prominent as it was" on Iggy Pop's song, "Candy". Terry Staunton from "NME" described it as "bubbly", noting that it "opens with a lilting waltz before breaking into a sun-drenched pop anthem, a warm and welcome blood relative to the B-52s' own 'Love Shack'." "People" stated that the guest singer "add some spark". Mark Frith from "Smash Hits" noted that the song is "very summery, optimistic and has some fine vocals" from Pierson. He added, "It's so good that it will make you too want to go around and give the world a great big hug. Summer's here and everything's groovy." "Sunday Tribune" stated that it "waltzes joyfully with the added vocal attraction" of the B-52's singer. The newspaper also noted the "joyous" and "celebratory" noises of "Shiny Happy People", calling it "one of 1991's pure pop highlights."