Love to Hate You

AllMusic editor Ned Raggett described the song as "supersassy".[1] Larry Flick from Billboard called it a "techno-conscious twirler", that nicks an idea or two from Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive". He complimented Andy Bell's "sassy and soulful" performance as an interesting contrast to the track's "overall electro tone".[2] The Daily Vault's Michael R. Smith noted it as "an instant crowd pleaser of sorts", adding that it "comes complete with live audience effects in the background."[3] Bill Wyman from Entertainment Weekly stated that the song "has a thumpy bottom and a passable hook."[4] Chris Gerard from Metro Weekly described it as "old-school disco with echoes of "I Will Survive" in the verse and hints of ABBA as well. It's a killer dance tune, but it's just as good as a pop single. The vocal arrangement is clever, and the crowd noise during the big synth solos add to the excitement."[5] Music & Media said it is a "top rate pop/dance song, which draws influences from '70s Giorgio Moroder productions. The synthesizer outfit takes us to a lovely Caribbean bridge that will work as well on EHR as in clubland."[6] Music Week commented, "The instant familiarity" of "Love to Hate You" "is due in no small part to the fact that it seems to be based on several previous hits, most notably Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive, Elton John's Nobody Wins and even Modern Romance's Everybody Salsa. Typically throbbing Hi-NRG, subtle it is not, but a hit it most certainly is."[7] Darren Lee from The Quietus noted "the camp melodrama", stating that it is one of "the most gloriously effervescent pop anthems ever recorded."[8] Mark Frith from Smash Hits wrote that "it's rather nice to welcome Erasure back. With a tune that's, erm, borrowing bits from certain '70s dance tunes, it's a tale of life's annoying Casanovas, and full of beans it is too."[9] Christopher Smith from TalkAboutPopMusic described it as "more early-80's style electro pop and yet it felt so fresh in 1991." He added, "This is one of those Erasure songs that you know word for word and are able to quote without fail at any concert where this is played."[10]

"Love to Hate You" is one of Erasure's most successful singles on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number four.[11] It became a top-ten hit in Greece, where it reached number nine; Finland, where it reached number seven;[12] Austria, where it reached number six;[13] Denmark and Ireland, where it reached number five;[14][15] and Sweden, where it reached number four.[16] In the US it reached number 17 on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart,[17] number 10 on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart,[18] and number six on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.[19]

A music video was made to accompany the song. It features Erasure performing the song on a futuristic stage with a long, connected runway which extends out into the audience. As Bell dances down the runway, it is revealed that the floor is covered in water - these shots were filmed in London's Leadenhall Market. Vince Clarke is also seen playing a circular keyboard similar to one previously used by Jean-Michel Jarre. The video was published on YouTube in September 2014. As of November 2020, it has got more than 25.7 million views.

• Lyrics of this song at MetroLyrics