[5] The song was written by Lindemann, Sasha Sloan, and Sean Myer, with the production being handled by Jayson DeZuzio.

"[7]Jeff Nelson of People said "in the defiant pop track, Lindemann, 18, blasts haters and affirms that she's more than her appearance" and called it an "infectious single".

[3] Idolator's Mike Wass stated that "Pretty Girl" is "something of a departure from her independent fare.

The dark and gloomy sound of the 18-year-old's early material has given way to a more defiant and optimistic approach" and later claimed "I preferred the diva's dark-pop phase, but the song has an important message".

[8] Hugh McIntyre of Forbes called it "a catchy pop number" but later remarked that the song is "off to a fair start on streaming sites, but will she be able to break through and become a mainstream hitmaker?