"Hits Different" is widely celebrated as a "fan favorite" and a standout "breakup anthem" that blends a buoyant, sun-kissed sound with devastatingly honest lyrics . Originally a Target-exclusive bonus track for Midnights , its popularity led to a wider release on the Midnights (Til Dawn Edition) in May 2023. Critics and fans alike praise the track for its infectious energy, often comparing its "fizz" to the Red and 1989 eras while maintaining the introspective maturity of her newer work.

The song is a mid-tempo pop-rock track that many reviewers describe as having a "90s country-pop" flair reminiscent of artists like Shania Twain and Alanis Morissette.

“It really captures that pit of craziness you feel you've fallen into when you're submerged in all-consuming grief.” Reddit · r/TaylorSwift · 2 years ago

The song explores a unique kind of heartbreak—one that doesn't follow the narrator's usual pattern of moving on easily.

: Swift herself has cited the bridge as one of her favorites. Reviewers call it a "wasteland" of memories, featuring complex lines like "argumentative, antithetical dream girl".