It was later released on the Strange Band: The Best of Family album and A's & B's album.[3] In 1976 Record World called the song a "Family favourite" alongside "Burlesque."[4] Both songs were later released together by Rebecca Records on 22 January 1982, with "Burlesque" as the A-side and "My Friend the Sun" as the B-side.[5]
Reviews
Record Mirror said of the song that "(It is) Family's second single from their ' 'Bandstand' ' album (to be) released. It is their gentle song...a notable contrast to Burlesque, which gave the group one of their biggest British hits."[6] Bob McBeath (Easy Livin) of Prog Archives said "'My Friend the Sun' was perhaps too different to their previous releases to succeed as a single. The song is a soft acoustic ballad with CSN like harmonies, and accordion backing."[7] Lorenzo Galbiati (jamesbaldwin) also of Prog Archives said "'My Friend the Sun' is a prog-folk song (vote 8+) with in the foreground the voice of Chapman, here splendidly delicate, tender, and the acoustic guitar. Wetton sings the harmony vocals. The song is simple but very inspired.",[7] and Only Solitaire said that "'My Friend The Sun' is a guitar/accordion ballad with a very pretty and friendly sound".[8]