[3] To promote the single in Germany, Matchbox and MacColl performed the song on Musikladen, which was broadcast on 10 February 1983.

[5] Upon its release as a single, the Hartlepool Mail described "I Want Out" as a "belting rocker" and wrote, "The backing at the beginning sounds as if it's straight out of a Sixties Eddie Cochran session and the midway break is in the style of Buddy Holly.

"[6] Mansfield and Sutton Recorder considered it to have "a true Matchbox sound with the added magic of Kirsty MacColl, sharing the lead vocal with Graham Fenton".

"[8] Frank Edmonds of the Bury Free Press gave the song a six and a half out of 10 rating and wrote, "So would I if I made a record like this!

"[9] Jim Reid of Record Mirror commented, "English people trying to be redneck Americans, nearly as embarrassing as Kajagoogoo's imitation of a vibrant new pop group.