Johnson City Press arts writer Elaine Cloud Goller described "Love on the Telephone" as a "road-weary rock and roller's lament.

"[2] Pete Bishop of The Pittsburgh Press praised the song for its melody, full arrangement and muscle.

[5] Daily Republican Register critic Mike Bishop said that "Love on the Telephone" is "a fairly good rocker" and said that lead singer Gramm sounds a lot like Bad Company lead singer Paul Rodgers, Al Greenwood's keyboards sound a lot like Styx and that the song's chord progression is very similar to that of Foreigner's earlier song "Cold as Ice.

"[6] Morning Call critic Alan Janesch felt that lyric saying that the "line's engaged" was lifted from the Beatles' "You Won't See Me.

"[7] During Foreigner's 1981 tour supporting 4 "Love on the Telephone" generally served as the first song of the encore, followed by "Hot Blooded" and "Headknocker.