 Bill Lamb of About.com praised the song for being an excellent first single , calling it " possibly the best first post @-@ American Idol single yet by an American Idol champion " and stating that it " could appeal to a massive audience " . He also applauded the song 's " outstanding , inspirational lyrics " and Allen 's vocal performance . Entertainment Weekly ' ' s Michael Slezak called the song " a future smash hit " and described it as " downright verbose – packing in some sweet , new @-@ age @-@ y sentiments about existing in the moment , living without regret , and saying ' I love you ' early and often to the people in our lives " . He stated that rather than being cliché the song 's lyrics are " winningly inspirational thanks to the conviction in Kris ’ vocals " . Yahoo ! News described it as " impressive " and felt that Allen 's version of the song " improves on the unreleased version with a nuanced vocal and a nimble , rhythmic delivery " . Monica Herrera of Billboard said that Allen " improves " the Script 's version " with a nuanced vocal and a nimble , rhythmic delivery " . Herrera also stated that " Allen still seems " emboldened by the risks he took on Idol " and that his fans " should be feeling the same after hearing the first track from his November 17 debut . " 
