Easily one of the most "commercial" and radio-friendly tracks and songs from the self-titled Tim Buckley debut album, "It Happens Every Time" is a great example of Buckley's near disposable (for him) songwriting ability. Although somewhat lightweight on the surface, the song's lyrics have a certain vulnerability that showcases his strength as a lyricist. Jack Nitzsche's brilliant string arrangement and Van Dyke Parks' clever keyboards are fabulous additions to the arrangement.

(Matthew Greenwald, allmusic.com)