The Chicks began to hint at a new album in June 2018 when Natalie Maines posted several photos from the recording studio on Instagram.

Maines' legal team filed a response to Pasdar's new motion, saying that if he succeeds in overturning the validity of the agreement, it also invalidates the confidentiality clause.

The song deals with lead singer Natalie Maines' bitter divorce from ex-husband Adrian Pasdar.

[21] In a review for The Daily Telegraph, Neil McCormick called it "stunning", praising Antonoff's "slick, tasteful production" and "perfectly balanced vocal arrangements".

[24] Writing for Entertainment Weekly, Maura Johnston said that "by blending early-21st-century pop savvy with the storytelling that made country music so crucial to the American canon, Gaslighter is all fire and nerve.

"[25] Chris Willman, in a review for Variety, praised the album's songwriting, saying that "each new incendiary lyrical moment seems to top the last, before grievance gives way to beautiful grief.

She felt that the album was "anchored to place by restrained instrumentation and artful, deliberate counterpoints between highs and lows.

"[29] Writing for AllMusic, Stephen Thomas Erlewine praised the album's arrangements as "subtle and sly" and "accentuating the emotions underpinning the songs".

[28] Mikael Wood reviewed the album for the Los Angeles Times, calling it the group's "most personal effort yet".

[36] In his "Consumer Guide" column, Robert Christgau said that while the songs have a "pro forma" effect attributable to Antonoff, "Maines has never written with more righteous anger and sisterly concern—more humanity.

"[23] More critical was Claire Shaffer of Rolling Stone, felt that the tracks on the album "fall into easy, radio-friendly categories: empowerment anthem, cheeky ukulele kiss-off, [and] minimalist protest song."

"[31] On the US Billboard 200, Gaslighter debuted at number 3 with 84,000 album-equivalent units, becoming the band's fifth top 5 album and first in the streaming era.