 Sputnikmusic's staff writer Rudy K. commented that the contrast between the song's "infectious tone" and melancholic lyrics is similar to that of Miike Snow's debut single "Animal" (2009).Miike Snow premiered "Devil's Work", the first offering from "Happy to You", on 6 December 2011 on Zane Lowe's radio show on BBC Radio 1, and put it up for free download as a buzz single.In early January 2012, the band launched a newspaper-esque website called "The Tiimes" with a teaser video of "Paddling Out".