Larry Flick from
Billboard magazine wrote, "Whatever magic might be found in this effort most certainly is going to come from the fine vocal performances. Houston scats and offers shout-outs that give 'If I Told You That' a spontaneity and energy [...], while Michael still stands tall as one of the finer soul men to step in front of the mike. This pairing is mightily inspired, and that in itself could turn this into a radio curiosity for pop and some
R&B stations," adding that "the track's instrumental palette is definitely of the moment, with a driving shuffle beat and layered vocals that make this song more than a passing reminder of something you might expect from
Jennifer Lopez. The hook is catchy enough, with a chorus that's simple and easy to sing along with."
J. D. Considine of
The Baltimore Sun felt that "If I Told You That" is a song on which Houston is "faking attraction with George Michael".
LA Weekly in its review for
Whitney: The Greatest Hits commented: "On paper, the Houston-Michael coupling is inspired: Together they symbolize two-thirds of the sex-drugs-and-rock-&-roll triptych. But Michael simply adds his pinched, nasal vocals to the track that was originally found on Houston’s album
My Love Is Your Love, the result of which is two people singing at one another and daring the listener to care". The
Baltimore Sun wrote, "When she sings in 'If I Told You That' about giving in to temptation and having a fling with a friend, we shouldn't suppose she's thinking of any friend in particular." ==Music video==