The record was further promoted with a re-release of "Can't Fight the Moonlight" in 2001; the song would go on to peak at number 11 in the United States in 2002.

"[3] Rimes claimed that she was unaware of album's planned release until a month prior to it being issued.

The songs she chose for this album demonstrate her newfound maturity and the continuing development of her tremendous talent.

[9][10] In November 2001, Rimes was released from her original contract with Curb Records and she subsequently signed a new agreement with the label under new terms.

"I Need You" was included on the Jesus: Music From and Inspired by the Epic Mini Series soundtrack released on March 8, 2000.

[16] "But I Do Love You" and "Can't Fight the Moonlight" were included on the soundtrack for Coyote Ugly on August 1, 2000.

[17] "Can't Fight the Moonlight" was released as a single for the soundtrack on August 22, 2000, with "But I Do Love You" as its b-side.

[19] The cover photograph on I Need You was previously used in the Coyote Ugly soundtrack liner notes and as the single art for "Can't Fight the Moonlight".

After having previously been the b-side to "Can't Fight the Moonlight", "But I Do Love You" was released as a single from both the Coyote Ugly soundtrack and I Need You on February 11, 2002.

The single was re-released in October 2001 and given a further promotional push with a remix by Graham Stack, and later peaked at number 11 in 2002.

[32] It contains all ten tracks from the 2001 release plus four bonus remixes and "Light the Fire Within", which Rimes performed at the 2002 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Salt Lake City.

Mark Huxley at Barnes & Noble gave a positive review of the album, saying that Rimes is "comfortably adopting some distinctly modern sonic elements without sacrificing her tradition-steeped country roots.

[39] Chris Neal from Country Weekly praised the album and Rimes's vocal performance, saying that "all the songs are solid".

However, he also noted that "most of the songs have only a tenuous connection to country" and said "how you feel about I Need You will largely depend on whether you see LeAnn’s shift toward pop as a positive development.

That she occasionally succeeds is a testament to her vocal talents and the skills of her producers, but it shouldn't be surprising that it also feels awkward for large stretches, never quite becoming as alluring as Breathe, because this is a sound that she needs to grow into to be totally convincing.

He praised Rimes's vocal performance and described the album as being closer to adult contemporary than country.