[4] "Can't Rely on You" is a funk-soul track,[5] featuring looped funk beats and growly vocals.

[8] Critics were quick to draw comparisons to Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines", which was also produced by Williams, due to its similar beat.

"[9] Tim Chipping of Holy Moly gave a negative review, labelling the song as "a record that sounds like a thing Beyoncé would do (and then leave off the album)", going on to say: "It's impressive and everything.

"[11] Chris DeVille writing for Stereogum was similarly negative, calling it a "post-"Blurred Lines" bluster" and later concluding, "Hopefully he’s saving his good stuff for Pusha or himself.

"[12] The music video contrasts the retro flavour of the song with lushly anachronistic visuals.