The Los Angeles Times described the song as "an aggressive affirmation of her prowess over five minutes of frenetic African-influenced rhythms, tribal chants and multiple vocal breakdowns".

[10] The publication also noted an expansion on the sound of Beyoncé's Fela Kuti-influenced 4 (2011) single “End of Time", integrating more African vocals into the beat.

[11] Lyrically, the song continues Beyoncé's thread of female empowerment, building on the "warrior queen motifs" of her past anthems, such as "Irreplaceable", "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" and "Run the World (Girls)".

"[1] The Los Angeles Times described the song as "an empowering female anthem tailor-made for dance floors and repeat blasting in car stereos.

"[10] The Michigan Chronicle mentioned the "tribal" influences, and predicted the record was "bound to be the ladies summer anthem..."[16] Notion highlighted the "zestful melody and up-tempo flow... guaranteed to get you grooving in no time.

"[18] 60 seconds of the song were utilized for "Mirrors": the Pepsi campaign commercial in April 2013, directed by frequent Beyoncé collaborator Jake Nava, whom she had previously worked with on "Crazy in Love", "Baby Boy", and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", among others.