"[2] Ian Watson from Melody Maker felt that "mucho respect" goes to Abdul "for first having the good sense to employ the wailing woman talents of Ofra Haza and then penning a pop song that flirts dangerously with the intense feelings found in the Arabic music world.

"[7] A reviewer from Music Week gave 'My Love Is for Real' four out of five, adding, "Smooth, soulful vocals with a funky rhythm and oriental touches show Abdul back on form.

"[3] John Perry from NME named it the "strongest of all" on the album, "mixing Ofra Haza's ethereal vocals over Paula's Madonna-esque whispering, almost turning a standard sexy ballad into Massive Attack's 'Safe from Harm'.

"[8] Mark Sutherland from Smash Hits gave it three out of five, writing, "Nowadays thoughm she's reduced to copying Madonna with this stab at 'Justify My Love'/'Confide in Me' eastern-tinged sexiness.

The accompanying music video for "My Love Is for Real", directed by Michael Haussman, features Middle Eastern inspired imagery with Abdul appearing as the head mistress of a harem.

British magazine Music Week rated Strike's version of "My Love Is for Real" four out of five, adding, "The magic is still there from the band who have got making commercial pop dance down to a fine art.