[1][2] The EP was preceded by the release of its lead single, "Dancing Crazy", which was co-written by Avril Lavigne and produced by Max Martin and Shellback.

High Maintenance received mixed to positive reviews from music critics, with many complimenting the EP's sound and production as more adult than Cosgrove's previous teen pop-oriented releases.

I've worked with Dr. Luke for awhile [sic]... and he ended up introducing me to Rivers.Along with the first two confirmed tracks, three more songs were confirmed for the EP which were: the electropop song "Sayonara" that was co-written by Greg Kurstin, Bonnie McKee and Nicole Morier and produced by Kurstin, a cover of the Shontelle ballad "Kiss You Up" that was co-written by MoZella with Jimmy Harry and Tony Kanal, who produced,[5] and "Face of Love", which was co-written by Scott Cutler, Carsten Mortenson, Anne Preven and Lucas Secon, who produced it.

"[7] Hiponline said of the album, "The High Maintenance EP is a pop-rock whirlwind, complete with sing-along choruses, candy-coated vocals and dance floor friendly beats."

From the sentimental ballad 'Kiss You Up' to the explosive, electronic 'Sayonara' this album shows Miranda's true versatility as an artist embracing multiple styles and influences.

[9][10][11] Accompanying Cosgrove on the tour was Greyson Chance[12] During the week before the EP's release, the music video for "Dancing Crazy" was available for free digital download on iTunes.

[16] The first 500 customers to purchase the EP from FYE or the performance at the Hard Rock Cafe received a free wristband, which grants them access to an album signing held by Cosgrove.

[24] "Dancing Crazy" is the EP's lead and only single, co-written by Avril Lavigne with Max Martin and Shellback, who produced it.

James Christopher Monger of Allmusic wrote that the extended play (EP) had a more adult pop sound, and gave the album a rating of two and a half stars out of five.

[6] Lauren Carter of The Boston Herald compared the EP to the likes of Avril Lavigne and Kesha and commented "High Maintenance is mostly high-octane fun, Cosgrove's all-grown-up soundtrack to letting loose and testing the rules without breaking them.

[26] Allison Stewart of The Washington Post gave a mixed view of the EP, stating, "Cosgrove's new EP, High Maintenance will sound familiar to anyone who heard her modestly received, similar-sounding 2010 full-length debut, Sparks Fly or any other teen pop disc released in the last five years.