The Promiseland was released in 1986 by Columbia Records, produced by Chips Moman. The album was recorded at Moman's studios in Memphis, Tennessee, and marked a return to a more traditional country sound after earlier experiments.
The lead single, 'Living in the Promiseland', became a number-one hit on the Billboard country charts, and the song was nominated for a Grammy Award. The album also includes a cover of Hank Williams' 'I'm Not Trying to Forget You'.
Although it did not reach the same sales levels as some of his earlier works, The Promiseland was well received by critics and solidified Nelson's collaboration with Moman, who also produced his next album.