"[5] "7 Seconds" was a worldwide hit, peaking within the top 10 of the charts in several countries, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands (number two), Sweden, Paraguay and the United Kingdom.

[8] Larry Flick from Billboard felt it is "unique and thoroughly pleasing", noting that the "haunting tune is padded with cushiony synths and a richly soulful bass line.

"[9] Troy J. Augusto from Cashbox wrote that the "compelling duet nicely swirls N'Dour’s husky vocals and Cherry's sweet, angelic voice into a nifty, down-tempo stroll that has broad radio potential."

[10] Dave Sholin from the Gavin Report viewed the song as "music to stir the senses combined with lyrics that make a powerful case for our common humanity."

[14] Dele Fadele from NME named '7 Seconds' Single of the Week, noting that N'Dour duets with Cherry "to quite surprising results".

[15] In a separate review, Fadele opined that the song "makes like a future African sci-fi rumination on colour prejudice, with Yossou N'Dour's beguiling tones on show.

"[17] David Sinclair from The Times wrote, "Built around a gentle boombox beat overlaid by drifting synthesizer chords, the song achieves the same seductive combination of rhythm and rumination that informed Bruce Springsteen's recent hit 'Streets of Philadelphia'.

"[18] The accompanying black-and-white music video for "7 Seconds" was directed by French director, photographer, film producer and actor Stéphane Sednaoui.

Eloise Parker remarked that "the soul of '7 seconds' is N'Dour's heartfelt vocals, sung in Wolof and French, enhanced by Cherry's haunting English-language chorus.