Larry Flick from Billboard wrote that "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.

"[2] 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".

[3] 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.