Mike is on the right track. Installing a drain system, either inside
the basement or outside, is not a subsitute for correct grading. If
the yard slopes toward the house and can easily be fixed by regrading,
that is exactly what should be done first.

A lot depends on how much soil needs to be added and what goes over it.
If it's a few inchs and grass will go over it, then straight topsoil
is going to be the correct solution. And IMO, that is likely to be the
only practical solution period, as I think Mike is going to find it
hard to find a suitable soil that is high in clay content as has been
suggested, while std topsoil is readily available.

Forget about buying it in bags. This is impractical and expensive.
For any reasonable size job, you want it delivered by dump truck.
Look in the yellow pages or local newspaper classifieds for screened
topsoil.