The song was also released as a single after the success of "Point of Know Return" and "Dust in the Wind" and charted at #64 on the Billboard Hot 100.

"[6] Cash Box said that "a strong bobbing beat provides a romping backdrop for the excellent and melodic singing.

"[7] Record World said that it "continues the serious – some would say religious – lyrical concerns of the hit 'Dust In The Wind,' but returns to Kansas' more familiar, rocking style.

"[8] Ultimate Classic Rock critic Eduardo Rivadavia rated "Portrait (He Knew)" as Kansas' 8th greatest song, saying it "exemplifies the sort of cerebral subject matter that inspired the group at the start of its career.

"[9] I Love Classic Rock rated as one of the "Top 10 Kansas Songs Everyone Should Hear At Least Once In Their Lives" and said that it "tackles the subject of the mind, which spurred on to fan the interests of the band in its earlier years.