"hello" has received positive reviews from music critics. jason lipshutz of "billboard" described it as "a slightly more rugged track that finds its groove in the chorus. the handclaps on the bridge are a nice touch" and added that the song "is gonna be a killer in concert." "seattle post-intelligencer"s jason scott described "hello" as a "fun" and "cool" track. he compared it to tracks recorded on "all i ever wanted" (2009) and noted that the track relies "solely on the "o" vowel to tell a story. "ignorance isn't wise, but it beats being alone," clarkson sings before asking if anybody is listening. we hear you loud and clear!" brian mansfield of "usa today" considered "hello" as a vocal highlight of "stronger", he wrote in his review: "this rock tune sounds happier than its lyrics, which depict kelly as feeling alone even when she's not by herself." sam lansky of popcrush compared it to "mr. know it all", and described it as a '90s throwback. he wrote, definitely works, especially with the hooky chorus and heartbroken ferocity of the bridge: "holding onto the memories of when i, i didn't know / ignorance isn't wise but it beats being alone." ryan pearson of "the huffington post" noted that "there is an undertone of loneliness and sadness coursing throughout, including some downbeat lyrics co-written by clarkson herself. "hello, is anybody listening? won't somebody show me that i'm not alone," she sings on "hello"."