Billboard magazine reviewed the song favorably, saying that while it has a little more pop-leaning production than a normal Strait record, the melody is "pretty and the flourishes of Mexicali-sounding guitar riffs add an intriguing flavor", going on to say that the song has a "light summertime feel to it."[2]
Chart positions
"One Night at a Time" debuted at number 37 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks for the week of March 15, 1997.