Its lyrical content represents Clarkson's journey from winning the inaugural season of American Idol in 2002 to where she is headed as both an artist and an empowered woman; and is celebrated as a song of strength for her fans, friends and family who had supported her throughout the years.

[1] Upon its release, "Catch My Breath" was met with positive reviews from music critics, who praised the song's uplifting theme and Clarkson's vocal performance.

Directed by Danish director Nadia Marquard Otzen, the song's accompanying music video features Clarkson performing above the water, as gusts of wind, fire and smoke surround her.

This song represents who I've been, what I've felt, and where I'm headed as not only an artist but as a 30 year old that is now smart enough to know that it's time to stop, catch my breath, and be proud of not only what has been accomplished but of all the people that have helped me become the woman I am today."

"Catch My Breath" was written by Clarkson along with her musical director and long-time friend Jason Halbert, whom she had collaborated on her third studio album My December (2007) and on songs such as "Cry" (2009), "Ready" (2009), and "Standing in Front of You" (2011).

[12] Written in an uplifting first person narrative, the song depicts Clarkson's journey from the past and her vision in the future, with the chorus revealing her new life mantra.

"[11] Jocelyn Vena of MTV News wrote, "While Clarkson has clocked plenty of songs about the perils of love over the course of her career, her romance on this single is more positive than in the past.

Immediately after premiering on radio, Sam Lansky of Idolator remarked: "The song is classic Kelly Clarkson, although much less bruised than many of her heartbreak anthems: The production is clean and sparkly, with a propulsive back-beat and clear vocals.

Clarkson's uplifting new single "Catch My Breath" not only pays homage to her strong-willed musical persona, but also to the people who have helped her grow into the woman she is today".

Mark Hogan of Spin wrote: "American Idol's most successful champion demonstrates just how she plans to keep up with the young guns on the triumphant midtempo song, which moderately incorporates the EDM builds recently in favor with everyone from Pink to Taylor Swift.

"[15] Jenna Hally Rubenstein of MTV Buzzworthy remarked, "As you might expect, "Catch My Breath" is a sunny, synth-laden pop jam that showcases Kelly's unreal set of pipes, and speaks to the difficulties that come with staying in the record industry.

[30][33][34] Zara Golden of VH1 wrote, "The video's premise is pretty simple, as it finds Kelly looking extra-svelte in a floor length dress and with her new bottle-blonde hair, calling forth wind, water and fire with her voice so powerful.

"[35] Kyle Anderson of Entertainment Weekly remarked, "Kelly Clarkson's voice is so commanding that she's never really needed much in the way of visual flair to help carry her songs.

"[36] Mark Hogan of Spin wrote a positive review, "Clarkson is a solitary figure throughout the clip, and she's indomitable, her face conveying nothing but confidence and determination as around her water bubbles and flame-like effects burst.

[38] Sam Lanksy of Idolator gave a positive review, writing ""Catch My Breath" may not be Clarkson's most imaginative video, but she's so likably lovely in it that it's impossible to disdain."

[39] Zara Golden of VH1 gave a positive review towards Clarkson's performance, writing "she certainly earned her "Greatest" status by hitting all the high points without taking even a beat to actually catch her breath".