Under the Red Sky cover art

  Studio Album · No. 24

Under the Red Sky Songwriting Credits by Bob Dylan

1990 Columbia Records 10 tracks 35 min
Columbia Records Rock
100%
Authorship
Complete Artist

Holds writing credit on 10 of 10 tracks

Authorship Breakdown 10 / 10 documented

Who wrote the songs?

Scored across the 10 tracks with documented writers, by whether Bob Dylan carries a lyricist or composer credit.

100%
10 trackswritten by Bob Dylan 0 tracksoutside writers
Bob Dylan's roles on this album

Share of the 10 tracks where a band member is credited, by role.

Lyricist100%
Composer100%
Producer0%
Performer100%

By the Numbers

10
Tracks
1
Lyricists
2
Producers
1990
Released
Data Insight

All ten songs on Under the Red Sky were written by Bob Dylan. The album was produced by Don Was, David Was, and Dylan himself under his Jack Frost pseudonym, and it is known for its nursery-rhyme imagery and a long roster of guest musicians. It followed the acclaimed Oh Mercy but was received as a lighter, more uneven record.

Released September 10, 1990, Under the Red Sky was produced by Don Was, David Was, and Dylan himself, credited under the pseudonym Jack Frost, recorded across multiple Los Angeles studios. All ten tracks were Dylan originals, but the sessions attracted an unwieldy roster of celebrity guests, Slash, Elton John, George Harrison, Stevie Ray Vaughan, David Crosby, and Bruce Hornsby among them, which Dylan himself later called hurried and unfocused. Critical reception was mixed: Robert Christgau praised it as Dylan's best in fifteen years, while Time later placed the opening track "Wiggle Wiggle" among the ten worst Dylan songs. The album peaked at number 38 in the US and number 13 in the UK, with disappointing sales.

Track Listing & Credits 10 tracks

Written by the artist Written by outside writers
#TitleLyricist(s)Composer(s)Producer(s)Performers
1
Wiggle Wiggle
Robert Allen Zimmermann Robert Allen Zimmermann Don WasDavid Was Bob Dylan (Lead Vocals, Guitar)
2
Under the Red Sky
Robert Allen Zimmermann Robert Allen Zimmermann Don WasDavid Was Bob Dylan (Lead Vocals, Guitar)
3
Unbelievable
Robert Allen Zimmermann Robert Allen Zimmermann Don WasDavid Was Bob Dylan (Lead Vocals, Guitar)
4
Born in Time
Robert Allen Zimmermann Robert Allen Zimmermann Don WasDavid Was Bob Dylan (Lead Vocals, Guitar)
5
T.V. Talkin' Song
Robert Allen Zimmermann Robert Allen Zimmermann Don WasDavid Was Bob Dylan (Lead Vocals, Guitar)
6
10,000 Men
Robert Allen Zimmermann Robert Allen Zimmermann Don WasDavid Was Bob Dylan (Lead Vocals, Guitar)
7
2 × 2
Robert Allen Zimmermann Robert Allen Zimmermann Don WasDavid Was Bob Dylan (Lead Vocals, Guitar)
8
God Knows
Robert Allen Zimmermann Robert Allen Zimmermann Don WasDavid Was Bob Dylan (Lead Vocals, Guitar)
9
Handy Dandy
Robert Allen Zimmermann Robert Allen Zimmermann Don WasDavid Was Bob Dylan (Lead Vocals, Guitar)
10
Cat's in the Well
Robert Allen Zimmermann Robert Allen Zimmermann Don WasDavid Was Bob Dylan (Lead Vocals, Guitar)

Songwriter & Credit Spotlight 4 contributors

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Frequently Asked Questions Under the Red Sky

Did Bob Dylan write the songs on Under the Red Sky?
Yes. All ten tracks on Under the Red Sky were written by Bob Dylan. The 1990 album was released on Columbia Records.
Who produced Bob Dylan's Under the Red Sky?
Under the Red Sky was produced by Don Was, David Was, and Bob Dylan under his Jack Frost pseudonym. It was recorded in early 1990 across several Los Angeles studios.
What single was released from Under the Red Sky?
Unbelievable was released as a single in September 1990. The album itself reached number 38 in the US and number 13 in the UK.
Why is Under the Red Sky known for its nursery-rhyme style?
Several songs, including the title track and Wiggle Wiggle, use simple nursery-rhyme imagery and repetition. The album is often contrasted with the darker, more acclaimed Oh Mercy that preceded it.
What guests played on Bob Dylan's Under the Red Sky?
The album featured a large cast of guest musicians during the sessions. It was produced by Don Was and David Was, who brought in numerous players.
Was Under the Red Sky certified?
Under the Red Sky was certified Gold in Switzerland and Silver in the United Kingdom. No higher certifications are listed on its Wikipedia page.

Sources