It was released by Stax Records on May 25, 2010, in the United States, marking James' debut with the label.

Her highest-charting effort to date, the album debuted and peaked at number 7 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at number 37 on the US Billboard 200 chart.

[1] Allmusic editor Andy Kellman found that "My Soul is James' best yet in every way.

It does not feature quite as many big-name collaborators or eye-popping elements as her debut, but the material is stronger, more balanced between vintage and contemporary sounds, and James sounds more comfortable in her voice.

Just as important is that she is coming into her own as a songwriter; four of the songs were written entirely by her, and they are among the album’s most affecting moments.