Johnathan Takiff of the Philadelphia Daily News wrote in a B- review, "Smooth school saxophonist Kirk Whalum gets into a Memphis mood on "Into My Soul".[3] Matt Collar of AllMusic remarked "On what is ostensibly his Memphis album, Whalum -- a Memphis native -- does evince a Stax-style soulfulness; unfortunately, he keeps the arrangements and his own playing so mild and light that nothing really ever sticks with you."[4] Lucy Tauss of JazzTimes also praised the album saying "Memphis-born saxophonist Kirk Whalum explores his hometown’s rich musical heritage on Into My Soul (Warner Bros.)...Whalum has crafted a series of tracks that offer a personal and deeply felt take on the soul and spirit of Memphis music."[5]