It was first unseated at No.1 by "Mr. Tambourine Man" by the Byrds, then regained the top spot before being replaced by the Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction".

The melodic and chordal progressions are very similar to the Supremes' 1964 hit "Where Did Our Love Go", also written by Holland-Dozier-Holland.

According to AllMusic critic Ed Hogan, the title "I Can't Help Myself" is an oblique acknowledgment by Dozier that he could not resist recycling his previous hit.

[3] The bracketed title "Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch" appears only on certain oldie reissues of the single.

Billboard described the song as a "spirited, fast-paced wailer performed in [the Four Tops'] unique style.

"[4] Cash Box described it as "a rollicking hand-clappin' thumper about a fella who is delighted 'cause he's head-over-heels with the gal of his dreams.

[18] "I Can't Help Myself" was recorded by American singer La Toya Jackson for her ninth studio album Stop in the Name of Love, which consists of Motown covers.

[citation needed] In 1967, the Four Tops themselves recorded a special Italian language version, entitled "Piangono gli uomini" ("The Men Cry").