Produced by Stargate and Sandy Vee , featuring heavy Euro-pop and house influences.

While initially critical of the "pneumatic hiss" and "brutal force" of the production, they ultimately awarded it 4/5 stars, praising Rihanna’s passionate delivery. 📈 Chart Performance & Legacy

Rihanna: "Only Girl (In the World)" Track Review | Pitchfork

Noted that the track was designed specifically for "dance-floor domination".

Music critics generally praised the song for its massive production and vocal intensity: