Released on November 13, 2001, through Island Records, the album serves as a follow-up to her critically acclaimed I Am Shelby Lynne which came out a year before in the US.

John Lennon also appears as a writer for his Top 20 hit "Mother", covered by Lynne for the album as well as during a special performance after the 9/11 attacks in New York City.

After nearly thirteen years as a mostly unknown country vocalist, Shelby Lynne rose to prominence with the release of her sixth album.

[2] Impressed by Lynne's versatility and music style,[3] Ballard praised her by stating: "(…) She has a tremendous stylistic range, from old-school, almost Barry White R&B, to hardcore punk, rockabilly and everything in between.

[5] In a review with AllMusic, Zac Johnson wrote: "Love, Shelby proves Lynne can still write a hook, but much of what makes or breaks the finished results ultimately falls in the hands of her producer.

"[6] Critic reviewer Jim Caligiuri of The Austin Chronicle wrote: "On Love, Shelby, Lynne wants to grow up, but in the process falls flat on her face.