"Breathe Again" became one of Braxton's most successful international hits, reaching number two in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and peaking within the top 10 in several European countries and Canada.

Ron Wynn of AllMusic named the song a highlight from the album, writing that "Braxton's husky, enticing voice sounds hypnotic on the track.

He explained, "Once again, her vocal is expressive and moving—mostly due to an unusual willingness to let some rough-edged notes mingle with the sweet diva-like tones.

"[6] Also Mitchell May of Chicago Tribune was very positive, writing that "the way her voice throbs when she sings, 'I can't stop thinking about you,' conveys a sense of despair and longing that is rare.

[8] Alan Jones from Music Week declared it as "pretty and radio friendly", adding that "this seems sure to launch Braxton here [in the UK], though it will struggle to repeat its Top 10 placing.

"[9] A reviewer from People magazine called the song "haunting", writing that "the quaver in her voice says more about love's promise and deceit than many singers manage in a career.

"[10] John McAlley from Rolling Stone named it "the album's best material", concluding that "Braxton's love hangover has reached ludicrously epic proportions.

"[12] Steve Pick from St. Louis Post-Dispatch commented, "Here's another sad love song from a sultry alto singer who seems to be getting the best of the LaFace production team's work this year.

"[13] James Hunter from Vibe said that Babyface's writing on "Breathe Again" "gives the deserving future star melodic peaks and valleys to explore with her gorgeously detailed, unconceited voice.

It features Braxton running through a hedge maze while being searched for by her love interest, played by American model Tyson Beckford.