"Love toHate You" is a song by Erasure which was released in 1991 as the second single from the duo's fifth studio albumChorus. It peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart and became a Top 10hit in Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Ireland and Sweden.
History
The single was released by Mute Records in the UK and Sire Records in the US. The song, written by band members Vince Clarke and Andy Bell is an electronic dance track clearly inspired by disco music. The synthesizer melody in the chorus of "Love to Hate You" is an interpolation of the string break from the Gloria Gaynor disco-era classic "I Will Survive". The song's music video 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 band also recorded a Spanish version of the song, called "Amor y Odio", and one in Italian called "Amo Odiarti". "Love to Hate You" is one of Erasure's most successful singles on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number four. It became a top-ten hit in Finland, where it reached number seven; Austria, where it reached number six; Denmark and Ireland, where it reached number five; and Sweden, where it reached number four. In the US it reached number 17 on the BillboardHot Dance Music/Club Play chart, number 10 on the BillboardHot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, and number six on the BillboardModern Rock Tracks chart.
Critical reception
Billboard wrote that the song is a "techno-conscious twirler" that nicks an idea or two from Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive". They complimented Andy Bell's "sassy and soulful" performance as an interesting contrast to the track's "overall electro tone". Music & Media noted that 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." AllMusic editor Ned Raggett described the song as "supersassy" in his review of Chorus.
