The group thought a lot of women would be able to relate to the song and hoped it would inspire them to find someone who would treat them well.

"Ugly Heart" was the last single to be released by the group before band member Simone Battle's death on September 5, 2014.

[1] The song received renewed interest in October 2016 when British girl group Little Mix released their latest single "Shout Out to My Ex," from their fourth studio album Glory Days.

[4] Van Oppen said the inspiration for the song "was giving that message of strength and confidence and being a good person, inside and out.

[5] Simone Battle commented that the track felt personal to her, as it reminded her of a time when she had crush on a guy in high school, who pretended to like her back and embarrassed her.

[8] "Ugly Heart" was written by Ryan Baharloo, Ester Dean, Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald, John Charles Monds and Henry "Cirkut" Walter.

[4][12] During the bridge, Van Oppen talks over strumming guitars, followed by Battle who sings a high note, before the song goes back into the chorus.

[13] Jamieson Cox from Time described the song as "moonlit, guitar-oriented pop" and a "sneering kiss-off" with many "undeniable" features of a Dr. Luke production.

[14] Mike Wass from Idolator thought the track was an "irresistible anthem" that left him "hooked" after one listen.

He likened the beginning of "Ugly Heart" to a signature Jason Mraz track and praised the lead vocals.

[18] Brad Stern from MTV labeled it a "certifiable, Dr. Luke-produced smash" packed with "chant-along-friendly hooks".

[19] Jason Lipshutz from Billboard quipped "the group uncovers the winning pop formula that previous single "Vacation" failed to unlock.

[5] Igee Okafor writing for magazine The Source likened "Ugly Heart" to "up-tempo and high-energy" releases by Ke$ha.

[22] For the week commencing July 14, 2014, "Ugly Heart" debuted at number 41 on the ARIA Singles Chart in Australia.

[9] Lucas Villa of ticket merchant AXS branded it a cute video in which "even bad girls just want to have fun".