"[1] The song received positive reviews from critics, who noted it as an emotional and powerful track and praised Mauboy's vocal performance.

The accompanying music video was directed by Lawrence Lim and features Australian actress Miah Madden playing a younger version of Mauboy.

The video received a positive reception from critics, who complimented the shower scenes and noted it as "an amazing step up" for Mauboy.

"[8] In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, she said that it is the "most vulnerable" song she has ever sung, and added that she shocked DNA when she turned up angry for the writing session.

[10] Jana Angeles from Renowned for Sound described "Never Be the Same" as "an emotional track" and wrote that it is one of the songs on Beautiful that "have honest lyrics and are clearly spoken from the heart.

"[1] Jamie Horne from The Border Mail noted that "Never Be the Same" showcases Mauboy's vocal skills,[7] while the Australian Recording Industry Association called it "a powerful ballad.

"[11] Suzie Keen from In Daily added that the song's lyrics, "Let me tell you 'bout a girl / that I used to be / Same name, same face / but a different me", explains the album's "feeling of defiance and strength" and "hints at the journey Mauboy has been on.

As the song begins, Mauboy is seen singing the lyrics in various places including a hallway, on a bed, close-up into the camera, and half-naked in the shower.

[20] During an interview with The Kyle and Jackie O Show, Mauboy said it was "a little fog from the steam" that was covering her private parts in the shower scenes.

[2] Carmarlena Murdaca of MusicFix described the shower scenes as "sultry" and suggested that Mauboy should "make it a soapy bubble bath next time.

[30] Taiwanese singer Eve Ai recorded a Mandarin version of "Never Be the Same" for her album Grown Love, which was released on 16 October 2014.