Among the most notable tracks, More Than Words became a phenomenon, reaching the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100. This acoustic ballad, which contrasts with the rest of the album, was key to the record's success, propelling Extreme to massive popularity. Another relevant track, Hole Hearted, also had a major impact, climbing to the fourth position on the same chart. Additionally, songs like Decadence Dance and Get the Funk Out gained popularity on MTV's Headbangers Ball, solidifying the band's presence in the 1990s music scene.
The album not only performed well commercially, reaching the tenth spot on the Billboard 200 and being certified double platinum in the United States, but it also received critical acclaim. The band's ability to experiment and push the boundaries of pop-metal was particularly praised. Nuno Bettencourt was especially recognized for his guitar virtuosity, being named "Best New Talent" by Guitar World magazine in 1991. Over time, Extreme II: Pornograffitti has remained a benchmark in the genre, and its legacy endures, as evidenced by the celebration tour for its 25th anniversary in 2015, where the band performed the entire album.