It was released to digital retailers through Geffen Records as the second single from the album on 6 April 2010.

The song features a pop rock arrangement and prominent rock-style guitar riffs, particularly during the intro and the bridge.

"Shut Up and Kiss Me" is one of the most pop-oriented tracks on Believe, which in general tends towards pop-rock over the hard rock of her first album, Violet Journey (2007).

In a 2013 interview, Orianthi revealed that "Shut Up & Kiss Me" was "too poppy" for her tastes and that she would have preferred her Desmond Child-co-write "Bad News" as the second single.

The song garnered praise for its radio-friendly sound[3] and infusion of pop and rock elements, drawing comparisons to the music of Kelly Clarkson.