Upon release, Plum told Triple J that she "had gone through a little bit of a rough patch, and I guess this is kind of a reflection of me going through that time and not always feeling backed 100 percent.

"[4] She also told Music Feeds: "The year just gone [2017] has been a really rough one for me and 'Clumsy Love' is my reflections on that and I have to say I am far happier with the song than with the memories.

"[1] Shaad D'Souza from Vice Magazine said "'Clumsy Love' showcases the warmth in Plum's voice, underpinning it with handclaps and tambourine.

"[5] Thomas Bleach called the song "shiny" and "quirky", describing it as "deliver[ing] a [sic] euphoric layered with a very emotional and reflective storyline" and as "bold and exciting".

[6] The music video was directed by Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore and released on 15 August 2018.