In January 2022, PinkPantheress revealed that she had a collaboration with Willow in the works.[1] PinkPantheress continued teasing the song until April 2022, when she announced its release for 22 April.[2] The song was released on that day through Elektra and Parlophone.[3]
PinkPantheress, Mura Masa, and Skrillex produced "Where You Are". The three of them are credited as writers on the song, along with featured artist Willow and American rock band Paramore,[4] for the sampling of their 2005 track "Never Let This Go".[5] The song's structure follows PinkPantheress' usual formula, with musical elements such as synths and a drum machine beat that recall hit songs from the early 2000s.[6] A guitar was also used.[7] The lyrics of "Where You Are" show PinkPantheress and Willow longing for their past partners back. PinkPantheress sings: "please tell me that you want to meet again"; Willow tormentedly cries out: "now my life's a downward spiral", in contrast with the lead artist's soft vocals.[8][9] Willow's part of the song was described as angsty.[10] Chris DeVille of Stereogum opined that the song was a more "haunted version" of her 2021 single "Just for Me".[11] The song's genre is electronic-pop.[12] It contains elements of UK garage,[13]pop-punk,[14][13] '90s club music and hyperpop.[15] The song's video version runs for three minutes and twelve seconds, which is unusual as PinkPantheress normally makes short-form songs.[16]
In Clash, Robin Murray called the song "a deeply addictive single", as well as "an unruly pop moment that dismisses the rules and embraces freedom".[15]Dork called the track "reassuringly classic", and complimented the prospect of two distinct artists collaborating.[17] Rob H. of Beats Per Minute called the song "an absolute jam".[18]American Songwriter's Sam Long called PinkPantheress's vocals on the track "angelic", and the single as a whole "hypnotic".[19]