The song received mixed reviews from critics. Jordan Bassett of NME referred to the melody of the track as "sliding into in a squealing cacophony of electronic beats, howling synths and sound effects that evoke a ray gun blasting into your heart".[1] While ranking every song on My Dear Melancholy, Michael Saponara of Billboard ranks the song at fourth place; "The second collaboration with Gesaffelstein is reminiscent of classic Abel," says Saponara, "'Hurt You' sees The Weeknd exude his wide-ranging singing abilities here more than any other track on the EP".[2]
Craig Jenkins of Vulture described that the track, in particular the lyric "between your legs, not between your heart", as "feel[ing] like eavesdropping on a gross couples’ squabble teetering between high drama and base chauvinism".[3] Larry Fitzmaurice of Pitchfork stated that "Homem-Cristo and fellow Frenchman Gesaffelstein draw from the same well that produced Starboy’stitle track and 'I Feel It Coming,' but fail to match the radiance of either".[4]
Composition and lyrics
"Hurt You" is an alternative R&B song. In the song's lyrics, Tesfaye warns his partner to keep her distance, as he is, in reality, not fully in love with his partner.[2]
