''Key's in the Mailbox'' was recorded in spring 1991 at Emerald Studio in
Nashville, Tennessee,
United States. The album consisted of 10 tracks of songs recorded in a traditional country arrangement, similar to that of her previous Capitol releases. The opening title track was written by
Harlan Howard, who previously contributed to Mandrell's 1988 release ''
I'll Be Your Jukebox Tonight''. The second track entitled "Tall Drink of Water" included a
Country and Western arrangement. "Try Gettin' Over You" was co-written by American
pop artist
Michael Bolton and "
I Love You Because" had previously been recorded by
Leon Payne and
Elvis Presley. The album also includes a cover of
Percy Sledge's "
When a Man Loves a Woman". The album was originally released on a
compact disc upon its release in 1991 and was also available on audio
cassette. Bill Carpenter of
Allmusic gave ''Key's in the Mailbox'' three out five stars, calling the album "Heartful soul and contemporary country." == Release ==