Colin Gentry of 4Music also noted in his review that the song communicates a passionate expression of grief to the listener.
David Driver of Sputnikmusic wrote that 'Fading', along with 'California King Bed', are both 'well-done, soulful ballads' and that they are 'completely free' of the sulky tones which could be found on some compositions on Rihanna's previous album, Rated R (2009). Leah Greenblatt of Entertainment Weekly simply wrote of 'Fading' that the song, a 'walk away ballad', is a 'gorgeously synthesized moment of sweet defiance'. Jon Pareles of The New York Times praised Polow da Don's production of the song, writing ' 'Fading' strategizes with long and short elements-sustained choruses and staccato verses, edgeless keyboard chords and notes that are suddenly truncated-to capture the ambivalence of a failing romance.' Melissa Maerz of Rolling Stone commented that the singer manages to remain 'serene' on the song, even with the sampling of Enya's 'One by One', and added that 'maybe the good girl gone bad is getting better?', in reference to Rihanna's third studio album title, Good Girl Gone Bad (2007). Mesfin Fekadu of The Boston Globe called the track 'exceptional' and compared the lyrical content to that of one of Rihanna's previous singles 'Take A Bow', writing that Rihanna is skilled at putting out songs about being the woman in a relationship who leaves the man, as she does in 'Fading'. Emily Mackay of NME wrote about the song as part of an overall review of the album, writing 'A weird baroque pop opening, violin stabs and treated vocals, builds slowly into a rolling and shuddering beat and soft, sad-toned piano. Upon Loud 's release, multiple music critics wrote about 'Fading' as part of their review, many of whom praised the production of the song.