As it quickly gained popularity, the song was sent to mainstream radio stations in the United States and Canada in November 2009, later making impact at the rhythmic and adult contemporary formats.

[1] Orianthi's vocal style on the song has been described as "lively" and has been compared favourably to that of American pop rock artist Kelly Clarkson.

[7] Lyrically, "According to You" finds the narrator explaining to an ex-lover all of the differences between him and her new lover, with its hook summarizing that the new man in her life loves her for "everything I'm not, according to you.

Matt Collar of AllMusic praised Orianthi's guitar playing and "gutsy" vocal, describing the song as "one of the poppiest, catchiest radio-friendly" tracks since Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" in 2004.

[1] Michael Menachem of Billboard wrote that the production, lyrics, and performance all complement one another and suggested that Orianthi's "combination of high-energy, emotive delivery and masterful fret work" could inspire more women to pursue the guitar.

"[2] An accompanying music video was directed by Marc Klasfeld and begins with Orianthi alone in her bedroom with a guitar for the opening lines of the song.