Before the song was sent to
contemporary hit radio (CHR),
Gee Street Records and
Island Records decided to service the track to
alternative radio stations first, as they wanted to demonstrate that P.M. Dawn could stray from their established pop sound; this was done during late August and early September, and the song was added to
rhythmic contemporary radio and CHR on August 22, 1995. In Australia, a
CD and
cassette single were released on October 2, 1995, while in Japan, a CD was issued on October 16. "Downtown Venus" became P.M. Dawn's only song to appear on the US
Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart, on which it peaked at number 39 in September 1995. Following the single's physical release as well as additions to CHR playlists, the song reached number 48 on the
Billboard Hot 100 and number 21 on the
Billboard Top 40/Mainstream chart in early October. It did not fare well internationally, stalling at number 43 in Canada, number 58 in the United Kingdom, and number 73 in Australia. ==Critical reception==