Instead, the album was produced by Warwick and Chips Moman and was composed of covers of soul hits and soul-influenced pop songs.

Warwick was encouraged to make an R&B album by the surprise appearance of the B-side of her smash hit "Do You Know the Way to San Jose": "Let Me Be Lonely" on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

[2] Soulful was recorded at Moman's American Studios in Memphis, Tennessee, and Warwick was backed by the studio houseband comprising Gene Chrisman (drums), Tommy Cogbill (bass), Bobby Emmons (keyboards) and Reggie Young (guitar).

In the UK, Dionne had a minor hit with "People Got to Be Free" written by Rascals Felix Cavaliere & Eddie Brigati.

In January 2004, Rhino Handmade issued the limited edition (5000 copies) Soulful Plus an internet-only purchase disc comprising the 13 tracks from the Soulful sessions plus nine obscure R&B influenced tracks by Warwick and a previously unreleased version of "Put a Little Love in Your Heart".