The song is a country pop and indie folk[5] ballad that contrasts the heartache of a breakup with the dread around California wildfire season and climate change.

In a Twitter thread, Cyrus expanded that she began using prescription drugs like xanax and percocet in 2018 and developed an addiction, exacerbated by the stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, though she eventually quit in December 2020.

[10] Maura Johnson of Rolling Stone wrote "A compact yet emotionally resonant collection of Laurel Canyon-recalling pop from the youngest member of the Cyrus clan.

Channeling Cyrus' recent travails, which include the death of her grandmother, her parents’ romantic problems, and her own addiction to and recovery from Xanax, The Hardest Part is unflinching yet tender".

[17] Laura Freyaldenhoven of The Line of Best Fit stated that the album exceeded expectations, and wrote "With its attention to detail and exceptional vocal delivery, The Hardest Part is a debut for the ages.

[18] Jemm Aswad of Variety wrote "With 10 songs over just 33 minutes, it's a wide-ranging, emotional ride that leaves the listener wanting more.