Thorne first heard the song while in Africa filming the movie Blended and got the chorus stuck in her head.

[4] The song was originally intended as the lead single from her unreleased debut album Call It Whatever, before being scrapped[5] "Call It Whatever" has been described as a classic autotune-assisted bubblegum pop anthem that is radio friendly and has reminiscences of previous Disney stars.

"[3] Alex Kritselis from Bustle.com gave a mixed review, describing the song as "hardly a masterpiece" also saying "In fact, in many ways, it's kind of a disaster.

[11] The video takes place in Cadillac Jack's Diner in San Fernando Valley, the same location used in the music videos "Want U Back" by Cher Lloyd and "Forget You" by CeeLo Green, as well as "La Da Dee" by Cody Simpson and Haley Reinhart's "Free".

Despite months of the single being unsuccessful, it finally made its debut on a US national chart on November 10, 2014.

"Call It Whatever" debuted on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart at number forty-seven on that date.