AMG All Music Guide: Steve Huey's review: "The strong pop hooks and "perfect"-sounding production of Hysteria may not appeal to diehard heavy metal fans, but it isn't heavy metal - it's pop-metal, and arguably the best pop-metal ever recorded."
CMJ: Jem Aswad's review: "No, there aren't many surprises here, except that the band is quite obviously stronger than ever."
Rolling Stone: Kurt Loder's review: "This album sounds terrific. Every track sparkles and burns. There is no filler."