The Life (Fifth Harmony song)

[2] On December 11, Lauren Jauregui teased "The Life" for the first time during an interview with Spin, in which she also revealed that R&B singer Tinashe was one of the collaborators on the album.

[3] "The Life" was written by Tinashe, Alexander Kronlund, and Lukas Loules, with LULOU handling its production.

Joey Nolfi of Entertainment Weekly called the song a "summer banger", noting its use of "upbeat, danceable production, with a tropically-tinged drop building to a purely-pop chorus.

[7] Writing for Vulture, Dee Lockett thought "The Life" generates a feeling as if one is "floating on a summer breeze."

[15] In an article published by MTV News, Ira Madison III noted "The Life" features an "increasingly frantic beat" and "the distorted ’90s house vocals on the bridge".

Hanif Willis-Abdurraqib, echoing the thought of Madison III, note similar "Danity Kane vibes", and highlighted the "production and execution" of the song.

Hazel Cills noted that the song does not "have that “pass it off to the next singer” feel", but reaffirms her review by praising the "distorted house vocals", calling the recording a "serious banger".