Many music critics complimented the band's change of sound.
NME gave the song a very positive review, saying "'Believe' proves that the Mumfords know exactly what they're doing. Twinkling synths herald its arrival, as Marcus softly deals with weighty matters of the heart. "I don't even know if I believe/everything you're trying to say to me," he croons, as the song keeps relatively light on its feet over its first half, as languid keys do calmly flirt with the idea of becoming a string section, but then think better of it. It's all change at two minute mark though, when Winston Marshall, finally free from the shackles of the banjo, lets rip a piercing electric guitar wail as the song rockets skywards. From here on in, it's a steady race to epic heights. "Say something like you love me," implores Marcus against increased riffage courtesy of Winston, in what's easily the first stadium-worthy song of 2015". In a positive review,
The Independent commented on the lack of banjo in the song, "Synthetic sounds can sometimes create a flatness to a tune, but the Mumfords have managed to use them to create a sense of power and energy that’s hard to resist. The banjo is dead, long live electric". Maud Deitch of
Pitchfork Media said in a review of
Wilder Mind, "Songs like 'Believe' are so lumbering that they are almost vulgar", criticising Mumford for using his "best
Chris Martin-soft-voice". == Chart performance ==