Billboard wrote that "the best thing about 'Shimmer' is that it doesn't wallow in angst melodrama or reek of kiddie-pop sugar," and called it "vibrant, aggressive rock' n'roll for adults."
The critic from Billboard commended "Shimmer" for its refreshing approach, steering clear of melodramatic teenage angst and cloying pop sweetness, instead emphasizing its dynamic, adult-oriented rock sound.