It was recorded after Ledisi's experience with writer's block, which she was able to overcome after finding inspiration by listening on the Buddy Miles's album Them Changes (1970).

[1] In contrast to her previous work with jazz and soul influences, the album features a prominent funk sound.

"[4] The singer was able to secure some of urban music's most respected producers, including Raphael Saadiq, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and James "Big Jim" Wright.

With help from the four other producers, including Carvin & Ivan, Chief Xcel, Chucky Thompson, and Fyre Dept., the artist braided brilliant strains of rock, blues, classic soul, funk and hip-hop are all fused together throughout Turn Me Loose.

[3] Allmusic editor Andy Kellman found that Turn Me Loose "partially roots itself in the singer's past work and otherwise branches out from it [...] Most of the material that is in the vein of the subdued, sophisticated R&B showcased throughout much of Soulsinger and Lost & Found is fine, if sporadically tepid – something that really comes through when heard with the harder material.