The album made its first appearance on Billboard magazine's list of the 25 Best-Selling Pop LPs in the US in the issue dated February 9, 1959, and got as high as number four during its 96 weeks there.

[5] It received Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for sales of 500,000 copies in the US on December 4, 1962.

"[3] He added, "The album's effect seems nearly a cappella at times, but 'In the Still of the Night' finds Mathis intoning the lyrics over gently rhythmic guitar figures that educe new harmonic complexities from a well-known song.

"[3] Writing decades after the album's initial release, Adams noted, "The enduring popularity of Open Fire, Two Guitars is attributable in part to its hypnotic aura of closeness and confidentiality, but also to the simple instrumentation that appeals to many rock-era listeners' preference for guitars over orchestral arrangements.

"[3] Upon its debut, Billboard gave it a positive review as well, writing, "It's a fine, warm collection of standards with the artist in best form.