Long Shot (Kelly Clarkson song)

Music critics praised "Long Shot" as an album highlight and noted the contrast between Perry's original recording and Clarkson's rendition.

[6] The song's instrumentation consists of keyboard, drums, guitar, and bass, which were performed by Howard Benson, Josh Freese, Paul Bushnell, and Phil X, respectively.

Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic praised the song and "I Do Not Hook Up" for "illustrating why [Clarkson]'s a better pop star" than co-writer Katy Perry.

"[4] Ann Powers of The Los Angeles Times also noted that Clarkson "removes the cartoon mannerisms" characteristic of Perry's songs in her version of "Long Shot".

[11] Daniel Brockman of The Boston Phoenix and Evan Sawdey of PopMatters both cited "Long Shot" as a highlight of the album, with the latter describing the song as a "sturdy, memorable pop number" that succeeds at playing it safe in a "fun" way.