Released February 29, 2000, as the duo's debut single, it is one of the best-selling gospel songs of all time.

Stan North of GospelFlava.com deemed it one of the pioneer songs of urban gospel music.

[1] "Shackles" became a top-10 hit in several countries, including Australia, Denmark, Iceland, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom, and charted well in other major music markets.

"[2] "Shackles (Praise You)" became a top-40 hit in the United States, peaking at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song was featured in the fifth episode of the third season (2024) of American sitcom Abbott Elementary, performed by Sheryl Lee Ralph .