The song was released on April 11, 2014 through Island Records and co-writer Rami Samir Afuni's independent label Lokal Legend as the lead single from both the EP and the album.

"[3] After arriving at Rami's studio, Kiesza produced a rough demo version of "Hideaway" before sitting down for ten minutes finishing its lyrics and then cutting vocals for the song.

[3] In an interview with Hattie Collins of i-D, Kiesza revealed that upon Afuni playing the beat for "Hideaway" she "jumped on the mic and it all came out," adding, "It just felt so natural".

"[6] With regard to the composition of "Hideaway", Robert Copsey of Digital Spy commented, "The thick bassline and throbbing drum machine on the minimal chorus is offset by emotional, towering verses packed to the brim with hooks.

[16] Combining Kiesza's love for UK garage, house and pop music, the track melds the three genres "pristinely" and with "utmost drama", as noted by Planet Notion's Alex Cull.

[1] Musically, "Hideaway" has been deemed "classics-inspired,"[13] in addition to garnering comparisons with British electronic duo Disclosure and the late singer-songwriter Michael Jackson.

[18][19] In an interview with Geoffrey Rowlands of the Gulf Times Kiesza said, "'Hideaway' is a deep house song but it's regarded as mainstream," adding, "That kind of thing doesn't happen in America or back home in Canada.

Larry Fitzmaurice of Pitchfork praised "Hideaway" for its "distinctly shiny electropop feel" and 1990s dance rhythm, further deeming the song "a body-moving propulsion that perfectly fits Kiesza's strangulated vocal bleats.

"[9] Digital Spy's Robert Copsey awarded the song a four (out of five)-star rating, lauding it as a thrilling debut that leaves its listener wondering what else Kiesza has tucked up her sleeve musically.

[13] In his review, Copsey also noted, "The song itself is club classics-inspired house; a genre that's currently clogging up much of the top 40, but Kiesza keeps it interesting by putting a distinctly pop twist on it.

"[13] John Gentile from Rolling Stone complimented the track's bass and drum machine,[11] while Kate Wills of The Independent dubbed the song a "90s dance epic".

[20] A writer for Popjustice awarded "Hideaway" an eight (out of ten)-star rating, calling it a great new tune that appropriately fits the bill of blending pop and dance music.

[21] Jim Carroll of The Irish Times noted that the song alerted many of Kiesza's talents, adding, "An old-school dancefloor belter thanks to her mighty voice, "Hideaway" is just one string to the bow of this former ballerina, navy recruit, cruise ship singer and Miss Universe Canada contestant.

"[10] James Cabooter from the Daily Star gave the track a four (out of five)-star rating, describing it as "a head above the rest," complimenting the song's bassline and high-pitched vocal hooks.

[15] Writing for Instinct in a review for "Hideaway", Jonathan Higbee quipped, "Looks like North America might finally have a contemporary pop/deep-house vocalist to compete on the charts against celebrated U.K. acts like Jessie Ware and Katy B.

"[18] Higbee's view was echoed by Idolator's Robbie Daw who upon hearing the track predicted Kiesza to "break out in a big way, and move up to more towering heights.

[12] O'Brien went on to praise Kiesza vocal performance on the song, lauding it as a "powerhouse" and "impressive", and felt that "Hideaway" would continue the run of "classy dance anthems" topping the charts in 2014.

[12] Daily Record music critic John Dingwall awarded the track a five (out of five)-star rating, commenting, "despite the fact that we're in the first flushes of spring, Hideaway already looks on course to be one of the biggest songs of the summer and there's no disputing that it is a top-class dance tune.

[32] Kiesza reported to Rolling Stone that she had a big problem making the video, partly because she broke a rib just before filming, and "couldn't move for an entire month afterward.