The music video was directed by Brown, and released the same day that the song was released. Quincy Domonic of The Ratings Game said that "Chris Brown will undeniably go down as one of the greatest entertainers to ever live" and that with the "timeless song" Brown "proves that, delivering an absolute jam that has him singing glowingly about trying to find his way to love over a vibrant instrumental." Music video Ken Hamm of SoulBounce described the song as "meaningful", saying that the song is a revival of Michael Jackson's music from the 1990s. Alex Zidel of HotNewHipHop said that the song is "lyrically deep and conscious, while musically has a worldwide and timeless sound", noticing that with "Back to Love", and his previous single " Undecided", Brown is successfully trying to bring himself close to his early R&B roots. Andy Kellman of AllMusic defined the song as a "career highlight".
"Back to Love" received an excellent response from music critics.
The song is about a man that wants to leave his past behind him, apologizing to his girlfriend, for mistreating her, needing to get back to love in the correct way, thanking her for helping him to open his eyes, promising to be a better man. The song is also bass-heavy while featuring extended guitar chords, riffs, and a woodwind synth that makes an appearance halfway through the track. The instrumentation is dominated by percussive elements, experimenting with different sounds and a slapping snare. Sonicly "Back to Love" is a midtempo love song that runs for three minutes and forty two seconds. The song was written by Chris Brown and Mark Pitts, and was produced by Cam Wallace. Now I want it all back, Now I want it all back, Now I want it all back.Chris Brown teased the song, called "Back to Love" with a post on his Instagram account, while he was performing a choreography for it. You never miss a good thing till it's gone. And I want it all back, I want it all, I want it all, I want it all back, I want it all back, I want it all, I want it all. Now everything isn't everything If everything, everything isn't with you. Every single moment That you're not here, It's evident to me that everything just seems so clear. I was just a fool, a fool for you, That didn't know what had I until I lost you. If I have the minutes, I would turn 'em into hours And make love to your mind and not your body instead. If there is a green light And it starts to turn yellow, Pedal to the floor, ‘cause I know your heart is turning red. I would never give it all Cause I was just a fool, A fool for you When I loved you so childishly. If I had the secret, The secret to your love I would pledge the treasure beneath my heart, Lock it all up, Throw away the key. If I have a moment I capture that moment.