River of Time (The Judds album)

River of Time is the fifth studio album by American country music duo the Judds, released on April 4, 1989 by RCA Records. It features the singles "Young Love (Strong Love)," "Let Me Tell You About Love," "One Man Woman" and "Guardian Angels." While the first two singles reached #1 on the country charts, the latter two peaked at #8 and #16 respectively, with "Guardian Angels" being their first single since 1983's "Had a Dream (For the Heart)" to miss Top Ten. "Do I Dare" is not included on the cassette or vinyl versions.

River of Time
Studio album by
ReleasedApril 4, 1989
Studio
GenreCountry
Length36:24
LabelRCA Victor
ProducerBrent Maher
The Judds chronology
Greatest Hits
(1988)
River of Time
(1989)
Across the Heartland
(1989)
Singles from River of Time
  1. "Young Love (Strong Love)"
    Released: February 20, 1989
  2. "Water of Love"
    Released: April 1989
  3. "Let Me Tell You About Love"
    Released: June 26, 1989
  4. "One Man Woman"
    Released: November 20, 1989
  5. "Guardian Angels"
    Released: March 31, 1990

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic     [1]
Stereo Reviewnice[2]

Billboard reviewed the album in the April 15, 1989 issue. The review said, "Although this album has fewer memorable songs than the stunning Heartland, it is still a pure sonic feast. Wynonna Judd's straining-at-the-leash lead vocals perfectly counterpoint the sparkling minimalist instrumentation, and there is a full range of styles–from the breezy jazziness of "Not My Baby" to the canonical country of "Guardian Angels". Among the song contributors are Mark Knopfler, Felice & Boudleaux Bryant, Carl Perkins, Don Schlitz, the ever-present Paul Kenenrley, and Naomi Judd."[3]

Cashbox also published review in their April 15, 1989 issue which said, "Wynonna and Naomi present possibly their last album for Curb/RCA with all the style and flair inherent in their usual recorded efforts. Wynonna shows an even greater depth of vocal delivery here, especially on tunes like “One Woman Man” and "Cadillac Red" (which was co- written by Naomi with J. Jarvis and Craig Bickhardt). Naomi also co-wrote two other tunes ("River of Time" and "Guardian Angels"), both of which display the emergence of a talented songwriter. Now at number 11 on the top 100 with "Young Love", the Judds should continue their charting sweep with several other hot tunes. Best cut overall would have to be the Mark Knopfler-penned "Water of Love”, a soul-wrencher with stellar guitar accompaniment."[4]

Track listing

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No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."One Man Woman"Paul Kennerley4:08
2."Young Love (Strong Love)"
4:27
3."Not My Baby"3:37
4."Let Me Tell You About Love"
3:01
5."Sleepless Nights"2:29
6."Water of Love"Mark Knopfler4:21
7."River of Time"4:33
8."Cadillac Red"
3:23
9."Do I Dare"
3:23
10."Guardian Angels"
  • Schlitz
  • Jarvis
  • Judd
3:37
Total length:36:24

Personnel

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As listed in liner notes.[5]

The Judds
Additional musicians

Charts

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Certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[10] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^ Allmusic review
  2. ^ Nash, Alanna (August 1989). "Review: The Judds — River of Time" (PDF). Stereo Review (magazine). Vol. 54, no. 8. New York: Diamandis Communications Inc. p. 78. ISSN 0142-6230. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 September 2021. Retrieved 26 October 2021 – via World Radio History.
  3. ^ "Album Reviews / Spotlight" (PDF). World Radio History. Billboard. April 15, 1989. p. 78. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  4. ^ "Country Music / Album Releases" (PDF). World Radio History. Cashbox. April 15, 1989. p. 25. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  5. ^ River of Time (cassette liner). The Judds. RCA/Curb. 1989. 9595-2-R.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ^ "The Judds Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  7. ^ "The Judds Chart History (Top Country Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  8. ^ "Top Country Albums – Year-End 1989". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  9. ^ "Top Country Albums – Year-End 1990". Billboard. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  10. ^ "American album certifications – The Judds – Rivers of Time". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved December 31, 2020.