Description
Return is the sixth studio album by the American contemporary gospel/R&B quartet The Winans (brothers Marvin, Carvin, Ronald and Michael), released on Qwest Records in 1990, manufactured and distributed by Warner Bros. Records.
‘Return’ is the seventh release by the first Winans to spread the family’s reputation beyond gospel music circles. The album’s title is, at first, a bit misleading. You may suspect it refers to a “return” to a more traditional sound; it is anything but that. Instead, the theme of the record is urging America to return to the educational, familial, and religious values on which it was founded. The four brothers use the modern music language of new jack swing, hip-hop and scintillating R&B, to make their point.
The album kicks off with «It’s Time», one of the brother’s strongest singles to date. The tune was co-written, and the music produced and performed by Teddy Riley, pilot of hit-making machinery for artists such as soul sensation Bobby Brown. Riley also provided beats and production for the equally irresistable «Don’t Leave Me» and «A Friend». A mainstream soul groove can be heard on «Everyday the Same», which features a vocal and harmonica solo by Stevie Wonder. Carvin Winan’s voice is paired with the soprano sax of Kenny G on the lovely ballad, «When You Cry». Those who prefer the smoother, more traditional sounds of which the brothers are known, will be drawn to «Gonna Be Alright» and the closing «Wherever I Go». All four Winans are accomplished vocal soloists, and Marvin and Carvin are particularly adept at songwriting and production. «Together We Stand» and «This Time It’s Personal», while restating the album’s theme, are also examples that the Winans brothers together are truly more than the sum of their individual talents, or those of famous guest stars. ‘Return’ is a superior example of how to adapt without sacrificing your personality or message. [Bruce A. Brown, CCM, July 1990]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/return/1489841549)
CD tracklist:
01. It’s Time
02. Everyday The Same
03. Don’t Leave Me
04. A Friend
05. Gonna Be Alright
06. When You Cry
07. Together We Stand
08. This Time It’s Personal
09. Free
10. Wherever I Go
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by Qwest Records.
A double-page advertisement for The Winans’s Return was featured in the June 1990 issue of CCM Magazine.
“It’s Time” feat. Teddy Riley (MUSIC VIDEO)
“A Friend” (MUSIC VIDEO)
The Winans with Whitney Houston: “It’s Time,” Live at the Essence Awards.
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