[1] The track, which was in the works for almost two years, premiered on Zane Lowe's Beats 1 radio show, where Smith spoke about the collaboration.

"[7][8] Ed Thomas, the song's co-writer and producer, revealed that the demo was recorded in a studio session late last winter.

"[9] Raisa Bruner of Time deemed the song "an appropriately moody and haunting ballad" which allows "Smith's buttery voice shine over a rich piano-based melody, offset by Stormzy's depth".

[10] Xavier Hamilton of Vibe described the song as "addictive", writing that "Stormzy's gruff voice melts away with Jorja's smooth vocals".

Instead, imagine a green-lit bar scene from a James Bond film, a symphony hall, or a vast night sky where you're watching stars collide as a story of the things we accept in spite of ourselves unfolds.

[11] Robin Murray of Clash praised the song, describing it as "powerful" and "an absolute triumph", thanks to the prominent "impeccably soulful vocals", "heart-on-sleeve songwriting", and Stormzy's "humble bars".

[20][21][22] Director Hector Dockrill, who previously worked with Smith on the video of 'On My Mind',[23] spoke of the visual: "When I received the brief for this film it was pretty much just one word; Bond.