[4] AllMusic editor Ed Hogan said that "never before has the singer infused more mainstream rock elements (prominent strummed guitars) into her music as evidenced by the first single, "By Your Side".

This flavorful, mellow, powerful filled song is warm and allows the listener to understand the importance and sincerity of the lyrics.

He also described it as a "beautifully soulful track thanks to Adu’s heartfelt vocal performance that greatly enhances the song.

"[7] Craig Seymour from Entertainment Weekly commented that since 1984, "Sade has made a career out of crooning smoky romantic odes; her first single in eight years, 'By Your Side,' is no different.

"[8] A reviewer from People Magazine noted that the song, "with its stripped-down arrangement laying bare a simple yet poignant lyric, is positively uplifting.

"[10] The music video for the song was shot in Los Angeles[11] and was directed by British director Sophie Muller, who revealed that it is a metaphor for Sade Adu's life.

As the singer walks through different scenes, she gathers items such as a rose and a burned wood stick, and puts them in a small sack.

"[12] The idea for the video came when Sade and Muller were driving to the studio and saw people standing in the middle of the road selling flowers.

When we were going to go a gig for War Child... the idea of doing it for charity meant the sentiment of the song took on a whole different meaning, and it felt perfect.