It was released on September 22, 2014 as the fourth and final single from Pardi's debut studio album Write You a Song (2014).

His previous singles were country-guitar laced anthems, but this new track is more reliant on a slow groove that builds through the final chorus.

"[1] Matt Bjorke of Roughstock also gave the song a favorable review, saying that "The uniquely talented singer/songwriter (he wrote 10 of the 11 tracks on Write You A Song) brings his California Country swagger to "When I've Been Drinkin'" and showcases why fans have begun to gravitate to his modern brand of honky tonk music.

The melody to this single is as strong as Pardi's instantly identifiable voice on the track, which has refreshingly honest lyrics.

"[2] In 2017, Billboard contributor Chuck Dauphin put "When I've Been Drinkin'" at number four on his top 10 list of Pardi's best songs.