 Andrew Leahey of Allmusic said that "On a Clear Night" marks a development from "The Sound of White" and that the second album combines "sass with sweet sentiment" although at times is "a bit too calculated".He compared Higgins to Sarah McLachlan and Amy Winehouse, calling her "family friendly" but said that her popularity in Australia has not successfully spread to the US.A reviewer for "Billboard" noted that with this album, Higgins was trying to broaden her market and said that "On a Clear Night" would appeal to fans of KT Tunstall and the ""Grey's Anatomy"-soundtrack crowd".