The song was described as being "alt-leaning" and "uptempo" by Billboard.[3]CMJ Music Monthly compared the song's style to that of the Pet Shop Boys.[4]
Release
The song was released as the second single from the group's debut album on 22 July 2002 as a CD single and two 12-inch singles.[5][6] The CD single includes the radio edit as well as two remixes; the enhanced portion of the disc features the song's music video. "Ghosts" debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 31 on the chart dated 3 August 2002, spending two weeks in the top 50 and three weeks in the top 75.[7] A remix of the song was later featured on their remix album, A Night at the Tables.[8]
Music video
A music video for the song, featuring the trio in a car, driving past a body of water as people swim. Later in the video, the group is shown driving on desolate country roads. Singer Steve Smith, who is driving, receives a ticket from a police officer; Smith crumples up the ticket and drives on.[9]