While Lovato co-wrote most of the songs on the album, she worked with writers and producers such as Max Martin, Ryan Tedder, Steve Mac, Rami and Stargate, among others.

Its lead single, "Cool for the Summer", was released on July 1, 2015, peaking at number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and being certified 3× Platinum by Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Lovato also said, "I've never been so sure of myself as an artist when it comes down to confidence, but not only personal things, but exactly what I want my sound to be and what I know I'm capable of and this album will give me the opportunity to show people what I can really do.

[9] Discussing the album's direction, Lovato told Ryan Seacrest that "I'm no longer serious", stating: "I'm done with the sob stories.

[9] The musician Jason Evigan wrote and produced "Old Ways" with Olivia Waithe and additional production by Scott Hoffman (credited Babydaddy).

[9] "Kingdom Come" was co-written by Steve Mac, Julia Michaels and the Australian rapper Iggy Azalea who features guest appearance on the song.

In an interview with MTV News, Lovato explained how her collaboration came together – and how Azalea knew exactly what to do without any idea what the song sounded like.

[9] "Wildfire" was written by Ryan Tedder, and Nicole Morier and the Norwegian production team Stargate who produced the track.

[17] Reviewing the album, Brittany Spanos from Rolling Stone described it as "a brassy, sleek, dynamic pop production that lets [Lovato's] powerful voice soar to new emotional highs.

[18] Nick Levine from the site NME wrote that the song "fuses hip-hop horns and Joan Jett beats and has [Lovato] bragging "it's all about me tonight".

[20][21] The second track "Cool for the Summer" is introduced by a piano melody,[22] followed by a buzzing synth beat,[20][23] that is accompanied by guitar riffs on the chorus.

[31] The song incorporates pop and soul influences, and is centered on a piano melody, with a stripped down production aimed at highlighting Lovato's vocals.

[32] "Stone Cold" received comparisons to Lovato's 2011 song "Skyscraper" and the work of English singer Adele.

[31] The album follow with the trap-pop song "Kingdom Come"[1][31][33][34] it features vocal appearance by rapper Iggy Azalea.

[31] "Yes" was described as a sultry R&B song while in "Father" Lovato uses a higher vocal register, which "maximizes her emotional impact".

Lovato stated: "I've worked closely with both Nick and Phil for years and we share the same point of view when it comes to making music.

[38] On October 17, 2015, Lovato performed a "Cool for the Summer" and "Confident" medley, and "Stone Cold" on Saturday Night Live during the series' forty-first season.

[47][48][49][50] The title track, "Confident", was released as the second single on September 18, 2015, with the album's pre-order and eventually peaked at number 21 in the US.

Awarding the album four stars at AllMusic, Stephen Thomas Erlewine writing, "the cumulative result is a messy, colorful modern pop record that is greater than the sum of its parts.

"[63] Mike Wass from Idolator gave a mixed review, saying, "There's no right or wrong approach, but if you're going to relaunch as an irreverent pop siren like Teenage Dream-era Katy Perry, you better have an album full of surefire hits to back it up.

"[66] Nick Levine gave the album 3 out of 5 stars, saying, "It's powerful stuff, especially from a singer who has bravely spoken out about her past struggles with depression, drug and alcohol abuse and an eating disorder, but ultimately Confident feels a bit relentless.

"[19] Glenn Gamboa from Newsday gave a more positive review, saying, "On Confident, Lovato's swaggering search for self is remarkably revealing, as she tackles everything from sexual experimentation to mental health issues to her relationship with her estranged father.

"[33] Writing for Billboard, Maura Johnston gave the album 4.5 out of 5 stars, saying, "[Lovato's] willingness to own every step and misstep, and to show her audience how the rough times helped her become the woman she is, makes Confident a surprisingly compelling listen.

"[60] Tim Stack from Entertainment Weekly gave the album a B+, saying, "Over 11 tracks Lovato's energy is unwavering, sometimes to a fault.

So it's a welcome relief that she takes a moment to reveal a softer side on the gospel-tinged ballad "Father," a tear-jerking tribute to her estranged late dad.