AllMusic editor Andree Farias found that I Owe You "can be so easily compartmentalized is not necessarily a sign of versatility, but an indicator that KiKi is merely following the lead of others. This is not a big deal in the case of debut albums, but the see-if-it-sticks mentality is ultimately too jarring to take in all at once. It's nice of Sheard to let herself be all things to all people, but here's hoping the follow-up to I Owe You is truly more her, not who her handlers want her to be."[4] Tony Cummings from Cross Rhythms called the album a "staggering showcase for KiKi's sinuously flowing vocals brought into pristine focus by top quality R&B production from some of the biggest names in urban music."[3]
I Owe You was nominated for three Stellar Awards, including Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year, Urban Song of the Year, and Contemporary CD of the Year. Sheard was also nominated for multiple Soul Train Music Awards, an NAACP Image Award, and multiple Dove Awards.[5]