"Pretty Hurts" received critical acclaim for its message, immersive visuals and Knowles' vocals. Andy Gill of The Independent referenced the song as the "best thing on the album" and an "undeniably noble attempt to boost female morale", whilst Mesfin Fekadu of The Huffington Post called it a "supreme way" to open the album, and complimented its "beautiful video". The cohesion of the lyrics and the accompanying video was commended by critics, with Evan Rytlewski of The A.V. Club noting how it allowed Knowles to "[open] herself up in ways she's resisted before", and Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune hailing it as a "soaring critique of the beauty industry that is enhanced by its troubling video". Knowles' vocal performance was also complimented, with Arwa Haider of the British newspaper Metro describing them as "fiercer and more tender than ever".
Deanna ♡ @Believeeexoxo 12m
i don't really listen to lady gaga but you best believe i'll be buying all of her future music because of what she said today. #iloveher
DIL first seconds 10/10
DIL first verse 9.5/10
DIL first chorus 9.5/10
DIL second verse 6/10
DIL second chorus 8/10
Swamp monster 0/10
Rest of the song ruined by the taste of vomit 0/10
DIL first seconds 10/10
DIL first verse 9.5/10
DIL first chorus 9.5/10
DIL second verse 6/10
DIL second chorus 8/10
Swamp monster 0/10
Rest of the song ruined by the taste of vomit 0/10
A Gaga meets P!nk mess.
that is superpower and Jealous