The Daily Vaults Christopher Thelen said it is the song "that dared to show a new side of R.E.M. - a, well, happy side. Who woulda thunk it? The song is a tad cornball, but is infectiously catchy, nonetheless." "Drogheda Independent" said it is "unbelievably catchy". "Dundee Courier" described it as "sardonic but delicious disposable pop". "Evening Herald" noted it as a "gilt-edged" pop hit. "Liverpool Echo" commented that "Shiny Happy People" "comes at you concealed as bubble gum pop in the guise of an opening string arrangement even Kylie Minogue wouldn't thank you for—before it throws off the cloak of conformity and gets down to a more resonant rendition of power pop".