 "Radio" received generally positive reviews from contemporary critics, who praised Knowles's brief departure from usual R & B style as well as the believability and originality of the song. Alexis Petridis of The Guardian noted that though the 1980s synthpop mode of "Radio" may not be as well suited to Beyoncé's voice as the old soul samples contained in "Crazy in Love" (2003) and "Suga Mama" (2007) ", there is no denying that" Radio "is an" irresistible pop song ". Colin McGuire of PopMatters highlighted Knowles's diversion from her usual R & B style, writing that" Radio "is" a bit of a novelty act "which takes Beyoncé in a new direction. He further wrote that the different elements of dance music present in the song makes it feel refreshing, before adding that" it might even suggest a more expansive, experimental side of the songstress on her follow-up ". Talia Kraines of BBC Music wrote that" wild "" Radio "makes it the standout track on I Am ... Sasha Fierce. Sal Cinquemani of Slant Magazine chose" Radio " as the highlight of both the standard and deluxe editions of I Am ... Sasha Fierce, writing that it is the most convincing love song on the album.
