[1] The song compelled Elektra mogul Sylvia Rhone to place En Vogue back in the studio to record their EV3 project for release in 1997.

While the other group members plus the record producers and label executives were focused on the new En Vogue album, Dawn Robinson wanted to pursue a solo career.

[2] Larry Flick from Billboard called it a "bluesy interlude", and commented further that the harmonies are "instantly recognizable, flexing sweetly over the track's live funk beat and snaky guitar licks.

[5] Dave Ferman from Fort Worth Star-Telegram said the song is "hauntingly lush", and that it "finds the singers' voices ebbing and flowing like the ocean on a threatening day.

"[6] A reviewer from Music Week gave it four out of five, stating that "the girls let rip with a swoonsome, powerful single" and a "positive taster" for a spring album, that "should please fans and ensure they attract a few more.

"[7] Gerald Martinez from New Straits Times called it "dramatic", noting that "this song has all the punch, power and stunning voices in harmony that one has come to expect from En Vogue.

[11] Elysa Gardner from Rolling Stone described it as an "even more aggressive tune", and added that the "slow-burning" track "promote[s] romantic and carnal abandon, advising lovers to proceed without caution.

[14] Ian Hyland from Sunday Mirror commented, "The hit singles 'Whatever' and 'Don't Let Go' may well be brilliant but they only add more spice to a mighty fine collection.

The single re-entered the UK chart at number 23 in 2011 after girl group Little Mix performed the song in "Movies" week on the eighth series of the British television singing competition, The X Factor, on November 19, 2011.

[20] The video shows En Vogue singing in front of an audience are dressed in black outfits while some clips of Set It Off are inserted.

A second music video was released using the same footage of all four band members singing in front of an audience, but the scenes from Set It Off are replaced with images that followed a new storyline.