Kershaw considers Arcadia a meant to be heard as a "journey and an infinite loop".
Written during a session at producer Ben Cooper’s studio, it was the last song written for Arcadia but the first to be released. Context Within Arcadia Lily Kershaw - Now & Then
Kershaw’s voice is described as "angelic and otherworldly," providing a "brutally fragile performance" that carries the emotional weight of the lyrics. Kershaw considers Arcadia a meant to be heard
Reviewers at Atwood Magazine note that the song creates a space where "rooftop parties and friends are plentiful," allowing the narrator to actualize a love that no longer exists in the physical world. Musical Composition and Production Reviewers at Atwood Magazine note that the song
"Now & Then" is noted for its , intentionally designed to sound honest and visceral.
While the album as a whole features "sleeker pop production" than her debut, "Now & Then" serves as a bridge back to her earlier, more intimate acoustic style.