The song was originally released on the album on 13 December 2019 by Columbia and Erskine Records[5] and features background vocals from the New York indie-pop band Lucius.
It was written during the end of the Fine Line recordings sessions with frequent collaborator producer Jeff Bhasker and songwriter Ilsey Juber.
[8] The instrumental features Bhasker on keys, Juber's father Laurence on guitar, Elizabeth Pupo-Walker on congas, and Nick Movshon and Homer Steinweiss on electric bass and drums, respectively; the latter three are associated with New York City's contemporary soul and funk music scene and Daptone Records, and some of the recording took place at Movshon and Steinweiss' studio The Diamond Mine.
Recorded at EastWest Studio in Los Angeles, a string quartet arranged by Bhasker and members of the Sunday Service Choir fill in the track.
[9] Harry Styles was first spotted in 2017 with a 'Treat People With Kindness' badge on his guitar strap during a concert for his debut, self-titled album, which sparked interest amongst the artist's fanbase.
[24] More critical was Pitchfork reviewer Jeremy D. Larson, who pointed to "Treat People with Kindess" as an example of Styles' superficial use of his studio musicians on Fine Line.
"An awful chimera of Jesus Christ Superstar and Edgar Winter Group's 'Free Ride' that confuses hand-claps with happiness", Larson called the song.
NME writer Hannah Myrleah referred to the song as "another banging pop tune",[2] while Gregory Robinson from The Guardian found it "jolly" and called it "old school rock'n'roll".