The River is the fifth studio album by the Christian rock band Allies, released on November 14, 1990 by DaySpring/Word Records. The album was written, produced and arranged by Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas. This is the last album to feature long-time players Matthew Chapman on bass and Jim Erickson on drums.
The River continues in the same vein as their previous album Long Way From Paradise. It is also thematic with its two tracks: the album opener "Take Me to the River" and the 10 1/2-minute "Can't Stop the River." The latter track speaks of the moving of the Holy Spirit as a raging and irresistible flood. You may be able to reject the calling of the Holy Spirit on your life, but you can’t keep Him from calling.
Allies rock out on "Rock n' Roll Angel," "Burden Down" and the 1950s-styled "Carried Away" and slow down on ballads like "Someone to Turn To" and "Come to the Family." The River is the first Allies album not to chart on the Billboard Top Christian Albums.
Track listing
All songs were by Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas.
1. Take Me to the River -4:44
2. Carried Away -3:28
3. Mule-Headed Man -5:07
4. Someone to Turn To -5:30
5. Rock n' Roll Angel -5:49
6. Burden Down -2:31
7. Requiem for the Living -0:45
8. Can't Stop the River -10:31
9. Island Song -4:30
10. Come to the Family -5:55
Personnel
Allies:
Bob Carlisle -lead vocals, backing vocals, guitar
Randy Thomas -lead guitar, backing vocals
Matthew Chapman -bass guitar, backing vocals
Jim Erickson -drums, backing vocals
additional musicians:
Randy Lee -keyboards
Glen Myerscough -horns on track 3, saxophone on track 8
Allen Gregory -horns on track 3
Greg Topper -piano on track 2
Radio singles
1990 -1991 "Someone to Turn To" -#11 Christian CHR, #26 Christian AC
1991 "Take Me to the River" -#21 Christian CHR
Previous release: Long Way From Paradise (1989)
Next release: Man With a Mission (1992)
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