After Andress signed a record deal with Warner Music Nashville, the label re-released the song as the second single from the album in June 2020.

The country track details a lost romance and Andress was inspired to write it after noticing the unrealistic expectations of love.

"The Stranger" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised the song's theme, as well as Andress' vocal delivery.

The group took part on the second season of American television singing competition The Sing-Off, finishing in last place.

"[8] Olivia Ladd of The Boot affirmed that "The Stranger" is "about the idea of love that her generation picked up from romanticized movies" and "[they] portray relationships as easy, but the song's lyrics look at it as a choice that requires hard work".

[10] "The Stranger" was released as Andress' debut single by the company and What Is an Ingrid for digital download and streaming on February 4, 2017.

[10][6] Warner Music Nashville issued a press release in May 2020, announcing that the song will be sent to American country radio stations on June 1 as a new single from Lady Like (2020).

[8] Billy Dukes of Taste of Country declared that "heavy chords add importance to the mellifluous presentation" of the track and it "gives major Brandi Carlile vibes by the end".

[20] Bergado noticed the inclusion of same-sex couples, to which Andress responded by saying that she "feel[s] extremely lucky to have this kind of platform to help spread love and awareness" and was hoping "videos like [hers]" would "help" country music "move forward".