Kenny Rogers: They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To Album (1986)

Debut of Prince’s You’re My Love

On October 23, 1986, country music icon Kenny Rogers released his album They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To through RCA Records in the United States, featuring the Prince-composed track "You’re My Love".

This album marked a notable collaboration between the country legend and the pop-funk innovator, blending Rogers’ smooth baritone with Prince’s distinctive songwriting flair. Issued primarily on vinyl, cassette, and CD, the release targeted Rogers’ established country audience while subtly introducing a Prince-penned gem. Below, explore the background, significance, and details of this album, with a focus on You’re My Love.

Background and Context

Kenny Rogers’ Career in 1986

Born August 21, 1938, in Houston, Texas, Kenny Rogers had solidified his status as a country-pop crossover star by the mid-1980s. With hits like Lucille (1977), The Gambler (1978), and Islands in the Stream (1983) with Dolly Parton, Rogers dominated the country charts, earning multiple Grammys and CMA awards. By 1986, his career was at a commercial peak, with What Are We Doin’ in Love (1981) and Lady (1980, written by Lionel Richie) showcasing his ability to blend genres. They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To was his 18th studio album, aiming to maintain his momentum amid a shifting music landscape.

The They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To Album

Released on October 23, 1986, the album was recorded at Lion Share Recording Studio in Los Angeles and produced by George Martin, known for his work with The Beatles. Featuring 10 tracks, it leaned into Rogers’ signature storytelling style, with songs like the title track (a nostalgic tribute to classic values) and Twenty Years Ago. The album peaked at #19 on the

Billboard Top Country Albums chart and #108 on the Billboard 200, selling moderately with around 300,000 copies. Critics noted its polished production but felt it lacked the innovation of Rogers’ earlier works, though Prince’s contribution stood out.

The Song You’re My Love

You’re My Love, credited to Prince under the pseudonym Joey Coco, was co-written with Rogers and recorded in 1985–1986. This pop-country ballad, clocking in at 4:10, features Rogers’ warm vocals over a gentle acoustic arrangement with subtle synth touches—Prince’s influence shining through his minimalist input. Lyrically, it’s a tender love song (“You’re my love, my guiding star”), contrasting Prince’s usual funky output. Prince likely contributed during a session at Paisley Park, possibly during a break from Parade (1986), though his exact role (beyond co-writing) remains unconfirmed. The track was not released as a single but gained attention as an album highlight.

Chart Performance:

The album charted modestly (#19 Country, #108 Billboard 200), but You’re My Love was not singled out as a hit.

Lead single Tomb of the Unknown Love reached #7 on Hot Country Songs, while They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To hit #11.

Prince’s involvement boosted underground buzz, though it didn’t translate to mainstream crossover.

Cultural Context

October 1986 saw country music thriving with acts like Randy Travis (Diggin’ Up Bones #2 Country) and pop-country hybrids like Rosanne Cash. Prince, fresh from Parade’s release (October 20, 1986), was experimenting beyond his core genre, collaborating with Rogers amid his Under the Cherry Moon film promotion. This unlikely pairing reflected 80s cross-genre trends, though it received mixed reviews from purists on both sides.

The US Album Release Formats

The They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To album was issued in multiple formats by RCA, targeting Rogers’ broad fanbase. Below are the confirmed US variants, sourced from Discogs and AllMusic.

Vinyl LP

Label: RCA Records – 5711-1-R

Format: Vinyl, LP, Album

Country: US

Released: October 23, 1986

Genre: Country, Pop

Style: Country Pop, Ballad

Details: Black vinyl in a gatefold sleeve with Rogers in a vintage suit against a sepia backdrop, including liner notes by George Martin. Pressed in the US for retail distribution.

A1 This Love We Share - 4:31

A2 If I Could Hold On To Love - 4:15

A3 You're My Love - 4:06

A4 Time For Love - 3:22

A5 They Don't Make Them Like They Used To - 4:31

B1 Life Is Good, Love Is Better - 3:55

B2 Just The Thought Of Losing You - 4:13

B3 Anything At All - 4:35

B4 After All This Time - 4:17

B5 Twenty Years Ago - 3:44.

Cassette

Label: RCA Records – 5711-4-R

Format: Cassette, Album

Country: US

Released: October 23, 1986

Genre: Country, Pop

Style: Country Pop, Ballad

Details: Cassette in a J-card with the same artwork as the LP.

A1 This Love We Share - 4:31

A2 If I Could Hold On To Love - 4:15

A3 You're My Love - 4:06

A4 Time For Love - 3:22

A5 They Don't Make Them Like They Used To - 4:31

B1 Life Is Good, Love Is Better - 3:55

B2 Just The Thought Of Losing You - 4:13

B3 Anything At All - 4:35

B4 After All This Time - 4:17

B5 Twenty Years Ago - 3:44

CD

Label: RCA Records – 5711-2-R

Format: CD, Album

Country: US

Released: October 23, 1986

Genre: Country, Pop

Style: Country Pop, Ballad

Details: CD in a jewel case with the LP artwork.

1 This Love We Share - 4:32

2 If I Could Hold On To Love - 4:13

3 You're My Love - 4:06

4 Time For Love - 3:23

5 They Don't Make Them Like They Used To - 4:29

6 Life Is Good, Love Is Better - 3:56

7 Just The Thought Of Losing You - 4:14

8 Anything At All - 4:35

9 After All This Time - 4:18

10 Twenty Years Ago - 3:47

Musical Innovation

You’re My Love bridged Prince’s pop-soul sensibilities with Rogers’ country roots, a rare crossover. Its acoustic simplicity contrasted Prince’s Parade funk, showcasing his versatility. Critics like Robert Christgau noted its “unexpected charm,” though it was overshadowed by Rogers’ bigger hits.

Rogers’ US Presence

In 1986, Rogers was a country mainstay, with They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To reinforcing his balladry. Prince’s contribution added a cult appeal, though it didn’t shift Rogers’ core audience significantly.

Broader Context of October 23, 1986

The US charts featured Bon Jovi’s You

Give Love a Bad Name (#1) and Janet Jackson’s Control era, with country thriving via Randy Travis. Prince’s Parade (released days earlier) and Rogers’ album reflected 80s genre fluidity.

Collectibility and Modern Availability

Collectibility: The CD is rarest, valued at $15–$30; vinyl/cassette at $5–$25. Prince’s involvement boosts interest among his fans.

Streaming and Reissues: Album on Spotify/Apple Music via Rogers’ catalog (remastered 2018). You’re My Love lacks a standalone release; Prince’s vault may hold demos.

Physical Media: Original pressings scarce on Discogs; reissues rare.

Additional Notes

Prince Collaboration: One of few Prince-Rogers works, predating Purple Rain outtakes. Rogers praised Prince’s “genius” in interviews.

Fan Reception: Prince fans on prince.org call it a “hidden treasure”; country fans mixed on its pop lean.

October 23, 1986, Context: Timed with Parade buzz, enhancing cross-promotion.

Legacy

They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To, released October 23, 1986, blends Kenny Rogers’ country charm with Prince’s pop soul in You’re My Love. Though not a hit, it’s a unique artifact of their 80s crossover. Collectors seek the CD; fans stream its warmth. Explore more at princevault.com or kennyrogers.com.