[1] A reviewer from Music Week rated "Open Road" five out of five, adding, "The one shining light from his disappointing solo album is a comforting assurance that Barlow can still live up to the potential that Back For Good promised.

"[2] The magazine's Alan Jones noted the samples from Mr. Mister's 1985 hit "Kyrie", saying, "It's a ploy that works well, however, giving this mid-tempo plodder an instant familiarity.

Gary contributes a fine vocal, and the whole thing gels very nicely, providing a potential pause in the downward spiral of his recent singles.

"[3] The accompanying music video for "Open Road" begins with Barlow sitting in his car, watching as rain pours down outside.

The video finishes with Barlow returning to his car, realising that the hope he has been searching for is inside of him, which is indicated by the image in his rearside mirror.