Quentin Harrison from Albumism noted it as "luxuriant electro-pop", adding that Ian Curnow and Phil Harding "rework it into an appetizing, but accessible house ditty that emphasizes unity between the single's beat and Minogue's supple vocal." While reviewing Rhythm of Love, Chris True from AllMusic highlighted the song as an album standout. NME voted it as the thirtieth best track of 1991. Eleanor Levy from Record Mirror described it as "more mature, in a Hi-NRG, Bronski Beatish way." She added, "More straightforward rhythm than formula pop song, it fizzes predictably rather than sparkles but, like Kylie's ever-elongating fringe, will no doubt grow and grow." Caroline Sullivan from Smash Hits called it "supreme", and felt the song "sees a return to the reassuring old Kylie-sound". Jonathan Bernstein from Spin viewed it as a "knockout" pop single", that "mirrored her evolution from tomboy to dreamboat." While reviewing Ultimate Kylie, Mark Edwards from Stylus Magazine gave it a positive remark, saying that along with "Shocked" and "Give Me Just a Little More Time", they "were great songs and suddenly Kylie was a little bit cool." Chart performance "What Do I Have to Do" debuted at number twenty-seven on the Australian Singles Chart, until rising and peaking at number eleven, staying there for two consecutive weeks. The song then debuted at number ninety-nine on the Dutch Top 40, until peaking at number eighty-one for one week. The song then debuted and peaked at number fifty on the French Singles Chart. Impact and legacy English DJ and record producer Nicky Holloway chose "What Do I Have to Do" as one of his top 10 vinyl thrills in 1996, saying, "I've had so much fun with this over the years. You don't realise what you're dancing to until it's too late to stop! It's got a long intro so people are dancing away and don't realise that it's Kylie Minogue until they're sucked into it." Music video The accompanying music video for the song was directed by Dave Hogan. In relation to this video, Minogue is quoted as saying "how many Hollywood stars can you look like in three and a half minutes". Her younger sister Dannii Minogue also appears in the video. The music video begins with clips of the dance scene intercut with Minogue's emerging from a swimming pool and her love interest seeing her with another man. The love interest is played by