Robin Murray from Clash noted that the damaged areas were "transformed into these hideous alien realms which [Waite] began to view [as] counterpoints to her own emotional turmoil.

"[11] She told Idolator, "I began to think of all the destruction the fires caused, the loss, the isolation, people finding themselves in a situation where they have no home, no sense of familiarity,"[9] After hearing Celeste sing "Tried to see through all the smoke," David Smyth from Evening Standard wrote, "her voice trails off close to silence, as though she isn't quite sure of the words."

"[6] Modestas Mankus from Our Culture Mag wrote, "Celeste brings us a melancholic mood through a melodious voice and soft ad-like piano.

[4] Celeste told Dork that the video "begins at the end and comes full circle, representing the reckless behaviours which can lead you from being lovers to strangers.

"[15] A French lyric video illustrated by Toby Calo was released on Celeste's social media platforms on Christmas Day 2019.

[18][19] Following her performance of "Strange" at the 2020 Brit Awards, Celeste saw interest from other big names in the pop music industry who attended the ceremony such as Billie Eilish,[20] Camilla Cabello,[21] Finneas,[22] and Stormzy.

[25] The episode "Make Rebecca Great Again" of the Apple TV show Ted Lasso featured "Strange" played over the last several minutes extending into the end credits.