Holding Back the River

Holding Back the River
Studio album by
Released30 October 1989
Recorded1988–1989
Genre
Length48:58
LabelMercury
ProducerWet Wet Wet
Wet Wet Wet chronology
The Memphis Sessions
(1988)
Holding Back the River
(1989)
Wet Wet Wet: Live
(1990)
Singles from Holding Back the River
  1. "Sweet Surrender"
    Released: 18 September 1989
  2. "Broke Away"
    Released: 27 November 1989
  3. "Hold Back the River"
    Released: 26 February 1990
  4. "Stay with Me Heartache"
    Released: 30 July 1990
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic
Number One
Smash Hits8.5/10

Holding Back the River is the second studio album released by Scottish pop rock quartet Wet Wet Wet. Released on 30 October 1989, the album, intentionally written as a lyrical follow-up to the band's debut album Popped In Souled Out, spawned the singles "Sweet Surrender", "Broke Away", "Hold Back the River" and "Stay With Me Heartache" and peaked at #2 on the UK Albums Chart.

Aside from the nine tracks found on the standard album, "How the Hell Did They Get There" appears as a hidden track on the CD and digital download versions, having previously been released as a B-side to the album's lead single, "Sweet Surrender". Outside of the UK, the album saw particular success in Australia, where it was certified Gold and re-released in the form of a limited edition coloured vinyl.

"Broke Away" was released on 27 November 1989, entering the charts at number 39 the following Sunday. It peaked four weeks later at number 19.