Upon its release, Joi Cardwell received generally positive reviews from most music critics.

It was also successful in international music markets and yielded four singles, including four commercial hits: "Soul to Bare", "Run to You", "Found Love" and "Power".

Cardwell decided to enlist in recording and writing with more producers and taking a slightly lesser production than she did on her debut album.

Producers Phillip Damien, Hani Al-Bader, Bluejean, Frankie Knuckles, Brinsley Evans each contributed tracks and mixes, while Cardwell also self-produced several songs.

[2] After the success of her previous album, Eightball Records decided to partner with WEA's Lightyear Entertainment to distribute Joi Cardwell.

[4] "Soul to Bare", produced in collaboration with Hani Al-Bader, was released on February 3, 1997, as the album's lead single.