Beginning with "Baby Love", the Supremes became the first Motown act to have more than one American number-one single, and by the end of the decade, would have more singles hitting the top slot than any other Motown act (or American pop music group) with 12, a record they continue to hold.

It was nominated for the 1965 Grammy Award for Best Rhythm & Blues Recording, losing to Nancy Wilson's "How Glad I Am".

[9] Elements were reincorporated into the single such as Diana Ross's cooing lead vocal and oohing, Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson's "baby-baby" backup, the Funk Brothers' instrumental track, and teenager Mike Valvano's footstomping.

[11] "Baby Love" and Roy Orbison's "It's Over and "Oh, Pretty Woman" are the only American singles that topped the UK charts between 1963 and 1965.

"[12] Cash Box described it as "a heartfelt, steady beat thumper...that the femmes deliver in ultra-commercial fashion.