"Me & the Rhythm" received acclaim from
contemporary music critics. Andrea Navarro of
Teen Vogue praised the song and called it a "sultry" jam. Tim Sendra of
AllMusic picked the track as one of the album's highlights, noting that Gomez "sounds most at home" on the track, "where the smoothness of her voice fits in with the vacant abandon of the beat." Brittany Spanos of
Rolling Stone applauded the song for "find[ing] her sounding completely in control of her own euphoria", while appreciating "[h]er brand of sexiness" for having "a coy, subtle quality that never tries too hard." Mike Wass of
Idolator called it "breathy" synthpop, but noted that there is "simplicity and sophistication" to the track's production that sets it apart. Wass also praised the fact that "her casual disinterest is perfectly suited to the icy, quintessentially Scandinavian arrangement." In another review, he also highlighted that the song is "a pop anthem with an unexpected twist" and that it has "an air of sophistication to the arrangement and vocal delivery that sets it apart." Samantha Schnurr of
E! Online remarked that Gomez "has definitely found her rhythm" on the track, calling it "[e]qually as catchy as her first single," also observing that "Gomez's signature airy vocals are on full blast backed by an upbeat tempo perfect for strutting out on the dance floor in a pair of platform heels." Lewis Corner of
Digital Spy praised the song, noting that it had a seductive "'80s groove". Writing for
Fuse, Zach Dionne was very positive, defining the track as "[e]qual parts romantic and club-ready," while declaring that it "might be our favorite 'Revival' tune to date." ==Commercial performance==