[4] Billboard called "Feels Like the First Time" "tasteful, high energy rock" with "a direct, happy, love lyric.

"[5] Cash Box said that "the heavy rock feeling is there at bottom, but glittering backing vocals and keyboard work add the patina necessary to soothe top 40" and also commented on the "spine-tingling guitar chords" that open the song.

"[9] Henry McNulty's contemporary review of Foreigner in the Hartford Courant said that "Feels Like the First Time" was a good choice for the album's first single due to "Jones' guitar blasting out metal-tinged chords at the outset and plenty of clever little hooks.

"[11] Sullivan attributed its popularity in part to its ability to bridge between heavy metal and MOR rock, with "hard-hitting" snare drum, "layered instruments and fist-pumping guitar riffs.

"[11] Livingston County Daily Press and Argus critic Scott Pohl said the song "expressed how anyone feels with a new lover.

"[13] Classic Rock History critic Brian Kachejian ranked "Feels Like the First Time" as Foreigner's all-time top song.

[14] Billboard reviewer Gary Graff rated "Feels Like the First Time" to be Foreigner's 3rd greatest song, calling it "a perfect introduction and statement of purpose, brimming with optimism and intent.