Billboard called the album "a colourful, smile generating showcase" adding "the energetic set runs through a series of signature hits and album tracks; throughout, the Rio fans roar with approval." Steve Morse of the
Boston Globe found Live in Rio "sounds dated, and some of the sound quality sounds shrill, but the band's boogie down energy still carries the night". With a three out of five stars rating Alex Henderson of
AllMusic called the LP "a valuable if imperfect addition to their catalog" though " Live in Rio is still something to celebrate." ==Track listing==