[a] A disco-pop song that incorporates elements of groovy bass sounds and disco synth beats, its lyrics are about the protagonist's feeling of happiness after falling in love at first sight.

[14] In another interview with Bustle, the group talked about their wish to connect with their U.S. fans, whom they hadn't seen since their Twicelights World Tour (2019-2020) due to the Covid-19 lockdowns.

The review noted the song's vibrant production, joyous handclaps, shining synths, and syncopated rhythms.

[18] In terms of musical notation, it is composed in the key of B minor (while borrowing from the parallel Dorian mode) with a tempo of 120 beats per minute.

Chaeyoung mentioned that the song is not only highly addictive with its great hooks but also reveals who they are, showcasing their colors and style.

Rhian Daly of NME gave it a five-star rating, describing the song as "an infectiously fun bop" and hoped that Twice would get the attention that they deserve in the West.

[18] For Atwood Magazine, Danny Vagnoni contrasted "The Feels" with Twice's second Korean studio album, Eyes Wide Open (2020), as it took an opposite direction from the album—which he described as a "catalogue of darker, minor key tracks"—and gave something that resembles the optimism of their earlier work.

Despite using clichéd phrases, the song's high-quality production and consistent bass beat effectively convey the fluttering feelings of love.

Park highlights the song's relatability and Twice's dependable character as a top K-pop group, noting that this single is their first all-English release aimed at expanding their international presence.

[29] Likewise, NME included the song in their list, with Daly calling it a "perfect soundtrack" and complimenting the members’ "confident" vocal delivery and attitude.

[38] The single ultimately received a double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan for surpassing 200 million streams.

[38] In the United States, it debuted at number 83 on the Billboard Hot 100,[39][40] and garnered 4.7 million streams, 208,000 radio impressions, and 10,400 digital sales in its first week.

[42] In November 2022, it received a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for selling over 500,000 certified units.

[2] At the end of the music video, they teased their third Korean studio album (sixth overall) and fourth world tour.

[52][53] The music video was described as a "glittery, retro prom-themed" spectacle by People,[54] and as a "technicolor" visual feast by Billboard.