Billboard described "Point of Know Return" as a "powerful high energy rocker" whose intensity is maintained throughout the song with keyboards and violins the most prominent instruments.[2]Cash Box said that it contains "an ideal balance of pop and progressive elements, highlighted by the depth of vocal harmony that characterized ['Carry On Wayward Son']" and also has "tasteful use of rhythmic accents and Yes-inspired organ licks."[3]Record World said that it is "a punchy rocker sparked by strong vocals, and a recurring violin/keyboard riff."[4]
Ultimate Classic Rock critic Eduardo Rivadavia rated "Point of Know Return" as Kansas' 2nd greatest song, saying it "distills the group’s adventurous sound into three compact minutes."[5]Classic Rock History critic Brian Kachejian rated it as Kansas' 4th greatest song, calling it "a great track that at the time, crossed the line between commercialism and substance."[6]Classic Rock critic Dave Ling also ranked it as Kansas' 4th greatest song.[7]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 "forms around the playful and inventive violin showmanship" and "packs the intensity and substance that was evident in Leftoverture."[8]