"FutureSex/LoveSound" is "brimming over with attitude, sharp beats and rhythm", according to Linda McGee of RTÉ.ie. The song, which was described as being "suavely portentous" by Pitchfork Media's Tim Finney, was cited as being a mixture between "the carnal strut" of Nine Inch Nails' "Closer" and the "masochistic flutter" of the Junior Boys. Finney said the song "derives its charm" from its "lofty" aspirations, "like a familiar lover staging an elaborately exaggerated seduction". According to Alexis Petridis of "The Guardian", "FutureSex/LoveSound" and the other opening songs of the album are heavily influenced by David Bowie's "Diamond Dogs" (1974). The song sounds "horny" which can be seen through the lines "Slide a little bit closer to me, little girl / Daddy’s on a mission to please." The chorus of the song reminded 411mania's Mikey MiGo of Prince's "New Power Generation".