Independence (song)

Editor Jose F. Promis from AllMusic described the song as "housey and anthem-like". He noted that it stands as "one of the better dance-pop songs of the decade."[1] Larry Flick from Billboard called it a "delicious pop/house anthem", adding that "she offers an assured vocal amid rousing mixes that will slam during mainstream peak-hour sets."[2] He stated that Lulu is in "excellent voice on a disco-minded house jam. Anthemic tune has a sing-along chorus that will stick in the heads of club and radio folks upon impact. Could be the first step in Lulu's carefully planned return to pop prominence."[3] John Carmen from Cashbox said it's "one of those semi-liberated kinda anthems that the Brits eat up from their female pop stars."[4] Liverpool Echo wrote, "A surprising comeback, this is Lulu's first new single in ten years and as usual she is keeping up with the trends. The record is typically bouncy, the voice as distinctively husky as ever, and the production today's version of disco."[5] Music & Media commented, "In recent years we've seen Sandie Shaw and Dusty Springfield re-emerging in the most unexpected musical contexts. Now another grand lady of '60s pop returns with an uptempo Lisa Stansfield-type of song."[6] Pop Rescue stated that Lulu "delivers a really warm and rich relaxed sound", noting that "this is a wonderful track, and a perfect way to introduce a 60's UK megastar to a discerning 90's audience." They added, "A pop gem, and it rightly gave her a #11 UK hit."[7] Spin wrote that the singer "assumes the mantle of soul survivor, achieving Stansfield status" on the track.[8] Also Sunday Life said the singer "steps into Lisa Stansfield-disco territory" with "Independence".[9]