Rich Juzwiak of "Gawker" calls "That's the Way Love Goes" a "classic" that "everyone's heard a million times," asking "Have you listened to this song lately? Like, really listened to it, not just took it for granted as the pop wallpaper that megahits can become over time? It's worth it." Juzwiak applauded its "hypnotic" tempo and vocals, noting the pivotal role the song and its video played in Jackson's career evolution. An additional evaluation called its release "strategic timing," commending Jackson's attempt to "urge the label to go with something that was romantic, grown and laid-back" rather than leading "with a big dance record", declaring it "at a minimum, a genius move." Jackson's "broad appeal" allowed the song to thrive on pop, urban, and adult contemporary formats, adding "It still sounds fresh to this day, and I'd be willing to bet that people who aren't even die-hard Janet fans have always been in love with this single." "Buzzfeed" ranked its music video as Jackson's fourth best, praising its "house party" theme. The clip aided Jackson in becoming known for her trademark abs. It also set fashion trends among youth, described to have "sent adolescents streaming into stores asking for "Janet Jackson necklaces".