It was released by Arista Nashville as the lead single from Underwood's fourth studio album, Blown Away (2012).

Underwood debuted the song in a live performance during the annual Country Radio Seminar (CRS) event in Nashville on February 23, 2012.

Gorley has previously worked with Underwood on her singles "Don't Forget to Remember Me" and "All-American Girl."

Roughstock gave the song four stars and praised that "this is the best uptempo vocal that Carrie Underwood has given country radio.

"[4] Bill Dukes of Taste of Country rated the song four and a half stars, saying, "By the third spin her confidence, energy and sheer talent will seduce you into believing every eighth-note couldn’t be more perfectly placed.

"[5] Kevin John Coyne of Country Universe gave the song a grade A and called it "an absolutely exhilarating record".

It sold 108,000 digital downloads in its first 3 days of sales, making it Underwood's fastest selling single ever.

The song made its debut on the UK Radio Airplay chart the week beginning April 1.

"Good Girl" was made available for download on June 26, 2012 to play in Rock Band 3 Basic and Pro mode utilizing real guitar / bass guitar, and MIDI compatible electronic drum kits / keyboards plus vocal harmonies.

Kat Perkins sang the song for her Instant Save on the sixth season of The Voice; she later recorded a studio version for her 2014 EP, Fearless.