"Burnin' Up" received acclaim from
music critics, most of whom commended and praised Jessie J's vocal performance.
Idolator gave the song a positive review saying "Like 'Bang Bang', it’s all about those diva-sized pipes (and some major heavy breathing!), as Jessie struts through the fire and loses her mind. 2 Chainz comes in later for his own spitfire contribution", adding that "the song’s a catchy burst of energy for sure, and who knows? Perhaps even American radio will be set ablaze".
Music Times also gave the song a very positive review, stating that "the bombastic, ominous opening has its tension cut quite quickly with uncharacteristically restrained vocals from J, though she soon builds up to those powerhouse volumes and notes that she's been well known for".
Billboard awarded the song 3 out of 5 stars, saying that "While her vocals flirt with ostentatiousness, 2 Chainz is all chill, smoothly rhyming 'corridor' with 'Oreo'."
The Wire was less positive in their review, saying that compared to 'Bang Bang', the song is a "stepdown", adding that "'Burnin' Up' makes it clear Jessie has the recipe down – take one strong vocalist, add popular producer and rap verse, stir. But like any good cook, the recipe isn't enough". ==Chart performance==