Reviews (page 2 of 9)
I really enjoyed this! Maybe I actually like country... Old country music is usually quite good. The lyrics are fun and the melodies are sweet and enjoyable. Would listen again, and I think I will.
I’m sorry. I’m really trying with the country music but it just isn’t for me. And they need to stop giving me so many country albums
John Prine has quite a debut here. Kind of a mashup of Croce, Charlie Daniels, and Dylan - but a bit more nasally and clever. Was not familiar with any of the version from John Prine, but recognized the covers of Spanish Pipedream (Denver) and Angels of Montgomery (Raitt) and a couple of others. Top tracks for me were Flashback Blues and Hello in There, but all song are good. Not quite my style but enjoyed the listen. (3.8*s) The man can tell a story…
Mr. Johnny Prine...sure can write a line. We got a decent folk-country-rock album here. Not half bad for a bumpkin outta Illi. This genre never gonna be my jam but I like the song's subject matter...fun story tellin'. Opening track "Illegal Smile" is a good one. 2.08 stars...pretty well done, hotdog bun, my sister's a nun.
John Prine seems like a pretty swell fellow. He drafted a couple decent tunes with some heavy subject matter, especially Sam Stone. Some of it was OK but I was surprised how cheesy the opening tracks were. Another serving of pretty standard country folk music from the 70's as far as I can tell. John Prine sounds like a really nice guy almost to a point that he sounds like caricature from a bad children's cartoon which is kinda endearing. I got some chuckles out of imaging a character like this in a Family Guy cutaway or something. We've had plenty of country music and I continue to feel the same way about all of it. I'd love to hear a true country fan weigh in on this album and explain to my why I needed to hear this specific album before I die. 1.89 stars
Damn, I never really got into John Prine that much, but now I'm listening with more intent and am starting to see why he has his fans. Singer songwriters are usually more Nashville pop or pop rock oriented. This unadorned country/folk backing seems to allow his probing originality to flourish.
I'm late to the party with John Prine, and I'm glad I showed up. My band plays a song off this album (Angel From Montgomery) and it always gets someone in the crowd excited when they hear it — even as a soundcheck. We learned it early on, it came as a request, and it's a staple. It's a great tune, and still I never explored more of his work. I was listening to this in my car, thinking I'd post a 4-star, then reflected — I liked every single song on this record, how is it not a 5? There's almost something self-depricating about the music that made me not want to take it as seriously as I should, which is part of the charm of John Prine. I'll definitely listen to more. Particularly liked the song about the flags. The timelessness of this material is also notable. This would be just as potent released today as it was in 1971.
I can't say this tickled my fancy, exactly, but I did admire his writing and how whoever produced and arranged this trusted the material enough to let it sing. A good, honest piece of art, and I'm glad I finally got to put a sound to the name John Prine.
I effortlessly knew every song on the album. I guess that speaks to what a natural John Prine is. I just loved this. Had forgotten that he was an early COVID casualty.
Mildly entertaining, mostly nondescript
1049 - "Here's your juice box and orange slice. Thanks for coming." ("And you will see me tonight with an illegal smile...)
Mostly great songs.
Very Bob Dylan-esque. Enjoyed.
Songwriting equal parts very funny at times and heart wrenching at others. His voice and song structure style made this very nice to listen to as well, I felt like I could sing along even before the end of the song. Really nice Americana kind of stuff.
A little too Jesus-y for me
A great storyteller album. I enjoyed Hello In There a lot.
oh fuck he really got a twang i like the instrumentation, i don't like this guy's singing. would be so so good with yodeling. where's that walmart kid but seriously, it's like leonard cohen. good lyrics, eh voice, great fodder for other vocalists to cover. I can really see Johnny Cash, Jason Isbell, Norah Jones, etc etc doing well with these songs 2.75/5
It's giving "there's a junebug on my shoulder, there's a cricket up my sleeve" IYKYK. Some very valid and very timeless messages but not my vibe overall.
I liked the humor. The instrumentation I wasn’t really in the mood for, but in the right context is up my alley.
Can’t be objective about John Prine won’t even try. One of my closest friends’ dad was a longtime singer-songwriter so clearly in his mold that every time I hear John Prine I tear up and have to text her. You hear John Prine’s echoes EVERYWHERE in the last fifty years of songwriting. I just love how clearly he’s smiling mischievously to himself and winking through a lot of these songs, and then next thing he’ll hit you with some absolutely devastating mournful uppercut to the jaw. Hello in There one of the most beautiful and empathetic songs of all time. The keenness and specificity he sketches each one of his characters with, whole thing a masterpiece to me. I know these albums are generated randomly but it’s so amusing to me how much we’ve been dancing around Bob Dylan early on without seeing him Second act montage needle drop in my biopic: “Far From Me”
I laughed, I sobbed. The first 6 song destroyed me fully. These lyrics go so hard. Your flag decal won't get you into heaven is a top tier song. I added multiple songs to my rotation. I've never heard anyone else admit it but they don't make country music like they used to. I think that's an original thought.
some of my favoriteeee john prine songs on here most notably your flag decal won’t get you into heaven anymore which is my number one argument for pre 9-11 country. as someone who grew up with people saying “yeah i like any genre except country” i’m going to hurt you, say what you mean (post 9-11 country) john prine i love you poet i miss you
john prine john prine sweet as candy and twice as fine almost had to take a star off because some of this shit is just too sad it makes me feel broken. Too bad! five stars, i can't believe country singers used to actually say things, if a mainstream artist tried to release "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore" today I can only assume they would be exploded into a fine pink mist my only option would be to lick them off the sidewalk or go back to listening to this fucking banger on spotify. Incredible songwriter, beautiful voice, fantastic album
LETS FUCKING GOOO one of my favorite country albums and artists ever, absolutely insane that he was 24 writing shit like this hello in there & sam stone make me cry can’t pick a favorite it’s just a perfect album to me. i can’t be normal sorry
Longest 44 minutes of my life
OK for what it is, but also highly overrated.
# John Prine's Self-Titled Debut: An In-Depth Review John Prine's 1971 self-titled debut is more than just a landmark album; it is a foundational document of the singer-songwriter era that introduced a singular voice in American music. It's an album of startling empathy and plainspoken poetry, setting a standard for storytelling that Prine would uphold for the next fifty years. ## Lyrical Content: The Heart of the Matter The primary genius of *John Prine* lies in its lyrics. Prine's songwriting offers a kind of rebuttal to the poetic opacity of some of his peers. Instead, he presented philosophies that were immediate and deeply human, displaying a rare ability to juggle existential heft with conversational wit. The album is populated with characters and narratives that feel lived-in, not just observed. "Sam Stone," a harrowing tale of a heroin-addicted Vietnam veteran, stands as one of the most devastating anti-war songs ever written. The now-iconic chorus—"There's a hole in Daddy's arm where all the money goes / Jesus Christ died for nothing I suppose"—captures a generation's disillusionment in a single, gut-wrenching image. Similarly, "Hello in There" is a tender, mournful plea for kindness toward the elderly, while "Angel from Montgomery" gives voice to the quiet desperation of a dissatisfied wife with profound empathy. This bleakness is perfectly balanced by Prine's wry, absurdist humor. "Illegal Smile" is a breezy ode to finding joy in marijuana, and "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore" uses a jaunty, folk-country tune to deliver a bitingly satirical critique of blind patriotism. "Spanish Pipedream" offers simple, sage advice: "Blow up your TV, throw away your paper, go to the country, build you a home". It's this combination of profound sadness and a light-hearted outlook that gives the album its timeless, human quality. ## Music, Production, and the "Square" Sound The album's production is a point of interesting tension. Produced by Atlantic Records' legendary Arif Mardin and recorded in Memphis with top-tier session musicians (who had worked with Elvis and Dusty Springfield), the album is a polished, "square affair". Drummer Hayward Bishop famously complained that finding a groove within Mardin's prescribed confines was "like trying to milk a dog". This indicates a production that was meticulously arranged, perhaps a touch too restrained for a folk singer with Prine's raw, unvarnished talent. While critics and some listeners found the sound "square" or "cheesy," it also acts as a perfect bridge between country polish, folk ruggedness, and a touch of rock and roll. The results are undeniable: the album has a warm, accessible sound that allows Prine's rough-hewn, comfortable baritone to sit center stage. Listen to the hayride bomp of "Spanish Pipedream" or the gentle waltz of "Donald and Lydia," and you hear the sound of a new kind of Americana being born—a fusion of Nashville, Appalachia, and New York that feels both timeless and very much of its era. ## Pros and Cons of the Album **Pros (+)** * **Exceptional Songwriting:** The album boasts some of the most celebrated songs in American folk history, including "Sam Stone," "Hello in There," and "Angel from Montgomery." The lyrics are the core strength, blending wit, empathy, and devastating social commentary. * **Masterful Storytelling:** Prine's ability to inhabit characters and create vivid, emotional narratives is unparalleled. He doesn't just write songs; he writes short stories set to music. * **Timeless Themes:** The album's explorations of war, aging, loneliness, and the search for meaning have not faded in relevance over half a century. * **Strong Production:** The polished, well-executed backing from legendary Memphis musicians gives the album a warm, professional sound that makes it accessible and enduring. **Cons (-)** * **Overly Polished Production:** For some, the "square" and meticulously arranged sound of the album feels at odds with the raw, unpolished nature of Prine's voice and the starkness of his stories. Some listeners felt the production was "cheesy" or that there was "almost no melody". * **Pacing and Energy:** The album is very low-key and can feel "too plain" or "too country" for some listeners. It may lack the immediate dynamic energy that some folk or rock fans expect, sometimes described as "bland" or "ordinary". * **Commercial Failure:** Despite its critical acclaim, the album was a commercial disappointment upon release. This isn't a reflection of quality, but it is a fact of its history. ## Influence and Legacy Though a commercial failure, *John Prine* was a critical smash that immediately established Prine as a "cult hero" and one of the most important songwriters of his generation. He was once dubbed the "Mark Twain of American songwriting" for his ability to craft melancholy tales with a dose of surrealist wit. The album's influence is vast, its songs having been covered by a staggering array of artists, including Bonnie Raitt, Johnny Cash, Bette Midler, and Miranda Lambert. *John Prine* is a masterclass in the art of the songwriter. It is an album that doesn't rely on sonic tricks or vocal gymnastics. Instead, it presents a man and his guitar, armed with songs of such profound humanity and sharp wit that they have become an indelible part of the American musical fabric. The album's strengths far outweigh its minor criticisms, cementing it as an essential, foundational piece of American music.
serenità
7/10
I guess I get the appeal. Country Bob Dylan to me. Some steel guitar is always great. But it's slow and drags on. So many similarities from each song to the next that it just became a chore
so many of my favorite artists love john prine, yet i've never really been moved to check him out. thanks for the push. this is fine. glad i listened.
Made an unexpected impression on me. Great songwriting, reflective and evocative. Not surprised Dylan liked him!
I groaned when I heard the opening bars of this, but this was actually pretty funny.
favs: hello in there angel from montgomery flashback blues rating 1.2/5
10/10
Charming
Wow, I love this guy. Perfect instrumentation that doesn’t get in the way of his poetic lyrics that can still be relevant today. Favorite song is Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven.
It was alright—not the biggest fan of this country
Gear: Letshuoer S12 PRO Artwork: 🎸👖🌾 Production: 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🙅♀️🤔😅 Rating: 😏(😏)/5
Now this guy wrote some truly gripping shit.
I've got to be harsher on mediocre country music
I'd heard of John Prine before but never really listened to him. I have actually heard Christmas in Prison which gave me an idea of his sometimes acerbic tone. I was surprised how conventional his musical backing but the lyrics were a revelation and this was one of the best finds of the year and a half I've been doing this project. Best track - Sam Stone.
Кантри – это тот жанр, который я никогда не слушаю по собственному желанию. Этот альбом не стал исключением – слушать было тяжело
Prine's lyrics are very interesting, but musically it all flows together. 3.5
Really just not it at all for me...
John Prine writes the songs of life. Vivid portraits of people, struggles and moments of beauty. His debut came out of the gate humming and he never gave it up. Man I miss John Prine.
Never listened to John Prine before and I found this very enjoyable. A great set of songs with a very slight dip in quality at the end. Beautiful storytelling. Favourite track: Hello in There
Really solid country record. Again, this project has proven to me that I actually enjoy country music. The songwriting and music is very well composed on this one, and the mood throughout is right up my alley. I really enjoyed this one.
Maybe his lyrics are clever, but it's still country. 2*
I had no idea who John Prine was before today, but I've enjoyed finding out about him today. Sounds like a more countrified Bob Dylan, but I actually prefer this to the Dylan albums I've listened to. Hello In There is a beautiful tune, with such heartfelt lyrics. And there are angrier moments as well. Sam Stone tells the story about the American Dream slipping through peoples' fingers, while Your Flag Decal... questions the emptiness of loyalty to a plastic flag. It's thoroughly engaging all the way through, from the fascinating opening Illegal Smile to the heartbreaking Six O'clock News. The music is well produced, neither sparse nor over the top and each track is different, yet they fit together perfectly. Thank you, John Prine. Today has been an enjoyable day. 4 stars.
My favorite country album ever! So many fantastic songs on here such as "Illegal Smile", "Sam Stone", "Angel from Montgomery" and "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore". I really enjoy the anti-war messages throughout the album. Country artists today could never make something as timeless and powerful as this. Favorite track: Angel from Montgomery
Nope
This is cute. He has a nice voice and the songs have a nice flow.
It got better the further into it I got. I understood what he was going for. He tells a great story.
It’s probably a crime that I’ve lived in Tennessee for over twenty years, and I’m just now listening to Prine. Shame on me. He’s amazing. This album is incredible.
This is going to kill my spotify recommendations. He's fine, very bob dylan
What if Tom Lehrer was a country musician?
Solid
too hick for me
3.6
Back at it again with the guy + guitar combo on this list. No misses to speak of on that front. This one's a little more country than a Joni Mitchell or Nick Drake but it's just as good regardless. The guy has a great sense of humor and some of the songs are just as relevant today as they were in 1971. Unrelated but "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore" sounds more like a mid-2000s Grindcore song than something to come out of the 1970s in any genre.
Not my style, but kinda fun
Very witty very classic country. Hovering between 3 and 4
Not a fan of country
Funny little listen. It was like country music through the lens of Bob Dylan, with the sound of Schoolhouse Rock.
I'm not the only reviewer who didn't expect or even want to like this - only two albums ago, I declared I didn't usually like country music - but who then got drawn in by the lyrics. Poetic character descriptions and storytelling, with the power to affect and to amuse. I didn't love all of the music, and I could have done without the echo of Bob D in his voice. But it's certainly a decent listen. And I'd never heard of him before.
Could see this gowing on me. Probably deserves a re-listen. 3/5.
Normally hate this country crap but did I like this?
Its country music and i dont like country musuc.
This guy was clearly doing a bit of Dylan ripping. He sings like Dylan, which is bad. But he does it better, which is good. He sings in that awful Country twang and tone, which is bad. But he does it better, which is good. These are Country songs, which is bad. But they have a definite folk lean, which is better. And rather than singing about god, cattle, booze, flags, and women from a right wing slant, he sings about things which are actually important.
Beautiful album. Wasn't loving the first song but Spanish Pipedream and Hello There were just beautiful. The whole album is so warm and heartfelt. of course love Angel From Montgomery and Flag decal.
Кантрі, кантрі, знову кантрі)
Jaunty little country album with dylan influences. ok
This is a keeper. Great lyrics.
it was fine but a little bit weird. too country
Country puro y duro. Estuvo bien.
Awesome! His voice sounds like a mix of Glen Campbell and Bob Dylan.
I'll listen to this album 100,000 times before I die
didn't give much of a chance but I could tell that I wasn't going to be a fan
First song was rough - his singing voice sounds like if Larry the Cable Guy started a country career. When he said "Hot Dog Bun" I was really out on it. Once I was acclimated to the voice I started loving the album - some very funny lines ("your flag decal won't get you into heaven anymore"). Feels like Dylan or Cohen but run through an Aw Shucks filter instead of a look-how-smart-I-am filter (again, very Larry the Cable Guy). He's best when he's doing his rye irreverent thing on a sad song like in Sam Stone.
ikke helt folk, ikke helt klassisk country, ikke helt min stil?Litt kjedelig
not my fave
John Prine was a 24 year old mailman from Maywood, Illinois who wrote songs on his delivery route because he had nowhere else to be and nothing better to do. He got his first gig by heckling an open mic night, loudly, until someone dared him to get up there himself. He sang Hello In There, Sam Stone, and Paradise to a nearly empty room. The owner offered him a job on the spot. This is the origin story of one of the greatest songwriters America ever produced and it happened because he had too many beers and a loud opinion, which is arguably the most American origin story possible. Kris Kristofferson dragged himself to a late night Chicago club after his own show, sat down in front of a stranger with a guitar, and by the end of the first song reportedly said the kid writes like he is two hundred and twenty years old. Bob Dylan later called it pure Proustian existentialism, midwestern mindtrips to the nth degree, which is exactly the kind of sentence Bob Dylan writes when he is trying to compliment someone and cannot help making it about Bob Dylan. Bruce Springsteen simply called Prine a national treasure and a songwriter for the ages, which is what you say when you have run out of superlatives and the facts are doing all the work anyway. The album was recorded at American Sound Studios in Memphis using Elvis Presley's rhythm section, which Prine described as terrifying because he went straight from playing alone in bars, still learning how to sing, to performing with the best session players in the world. He threw everything in because, as he later explained, he did not know any better. Sam Stone alone contains enough emotional weight to sustain an entire career. Hello In There was written at 22 years old by a man who delivered newspapers to an old people's home where residents would pretend he was a visiting relative. He wrote the song because it stuck with him and because nobody else was saying it. Kris Kristofferson joked that Prine was so good they would have to break his thumbs. This was a compliment. The cover features Prine sitting on a bale of hay. He had never sat on a bale of hay in his life. The photographer apparently saw a hick trying to get out and made an executive decision. Prine later said he had suggested being photographed on a bus, which would have been the more honest image and a significantly less iconic album cover. The songs are extraordinary. The arrangements are sparse, acoustic, and rooted in a sonic world that predates everything I grew up on by fifteen years. If Noah Kahan had produced this record I would have given it a 5 without blinking. The songs deserve that production. They deserve the full dynamic build, the electric guitar swells, the drums that hit you before the words arrive. Instead they live in the quiet company of acoustic guitar and restrained instrumentation, which is the correct artistic choice and not entirely my natural habitat. I respect this album more than I enjoy it, which is a distinction John Prine would have understood completely and written a song about. 3 out of 5. One star for Hello In There, written at 22, which has no business being that wise. One for Sam Stone, which arrived in 1971 before anyone was ready for it and has been hitting people in the stomach ever since. One for the mailman from Maywood who heckled an open mic night and accidentally became a legend. The remaining two stars are somewhere on his delivery route, waiting patiently.
Folky C+W. Very samey, I can't see the importance or appeal. Pretty Good has some satirical lyrics, which is of minor interest. Same again with Your Flag Decal. So the lyrics are slightly subversive? Is that the point? Best track - Pretty Good, Your Flag Decal..., Flashback Blues 3 stars. Musically it's not very interesting, maybe even slightly annoying. But lyrically subversive enough to bump up to a 3
Awesome songwriting and interesting storytelling. Music was ok but a lot of songs kind of ran together. Would listen again.
Devastating
John Prine is one of those artists that I can’t believe I didn’t knowingly hear until I was in my 40s. Anyways - great singer/songwriter.
🤠🐴💌🎶👖
I highly respect John Prine's songwriting and lyricism, but I don't personally love his voice or the presentation of his songs. I don't dislike listening to him, but I just put more weight on his songwriting and lyricism than listening to him, much as I feel with Bob Dylan. That being said, there's no denying that there aren't great songs on this album that have had a long impact.
Got some good songs, might listen again if I’m feeling like listening to country
Could be the best country album we've had, JP is definitely a cut above the usual both musically and lyrically while still sounding authentic. His guitar work reminded me of a good indie singer songwriter at times. Liked illegal smiles little tempo changes and the one about truck decals was well delivered. Think I would enjoy this live but it is still undeniably country music and by the end of the album Id had enough.
He has a really light touch - nice, intricate guitars, deceptively complex vocals. I would say, nothing struck me as amazing, but happy to have listened. Illegal Smile was my favourite track.
This was really really good. I'm going to say it's more folk than country, but that's probably more to justify to myself why I liked it so much..... Or perhaps after over 1000 albums, the list has finally converted me to country.... Hello in there is a really nice song. So is Sam stone. He's got a really nice way of writing. Your flag decal won't get you into heaven was great poignant too, all these years later. Pretty good was pretty good too I do think the second half isn't as strong but I really enjoyed it and I'll definitely be back 4
Pleasant bit of country, but nothing special about it. Kinda background noise.
Counter culture folk.
Not my genre couldn’t finish it
Country-folk and singer-songwriter music built from acoustic guitars, understated country arrangements, and conversational vocals feels like sharing a long bench with a stranger who keeps talking about his life without noticing you've stopped listening—and he just keeps going and going. The album is sincere and thoughtfully written, but for me its low-key delivery and constant storytelling gradually become more wearying than absorbing.
Entertaining song writing. The style got a little repetitive but overall good stuff and easy listening to the story telling.
Great songwriting. If you haven't before - read Roger Ebert's review of John.
tolero el country, no me encanta
Country noooooooooooooo. Well that was unpleasant all around. Sorry for people who actually like this music, but it just sounds to me like a parody of itself every time.
Might relisten.
Nice surprise
They say that you shouldn’t judge a book (or an album) by its cover, but in this case the record company very much wanted to give us a picture of an amiable looking denim clad fellow sat on a straw bale with a guitar propped up beside him, making sure that we knew to expect a country album. John Prine later said “I thought they coulda has on a bus or something” The music is very much country but the vocals (at least initially) sound more like Bob Dylan. Pushing past that and listening to the lyrics shows a sharply written album with a wry sense of humour (“I knew that topless lady had something up her sleeve”). There are some pointed protest songs about the Vietnam War (“Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore”) and a hard hitting number about a wounded soldier coming home only to get hooked on morphine. The highlight for me was the heartbreaking song “Hello In There” which is about growing old and suffering from loneliness. Haybale-tastic!
I really really hoped that I would like this..
An okay album, I liked Paradise the most.
This album wasn't really for me, even though it has a lot of the characteristics I normally am into. It's unlikely I'll return to it, but won't disparage it either Non-enthusiastically ⭐⭐⭐
2/5
Solid, actually not bad. Some OG country
It’s clever! A mix between country western and folk music, not shying away from critical topics. Some great lyrical lines and a voice reminiscent of Dylan, this album grew on me as it went on. At times it was a little too country so to speak but I enjoyed it. I really enjoyed that a lot of the tracks had interesting musical tidbits - a little tension carrying a phrase into the next part of the song, or a song structure that doesn’t match your traditional pop track. It was fun.
Als der damals 24-jährige Postbote aus Chicago sein Debüt einspielte, geschah dies größtenteils im American Sound Studio in Memphis, produziert von Arif Mardin für Atlantic Records – lediglich der Song "Paradise" entstand in den A&R Studios in New York. Die Session-Musiker der sogenannten Memphis Boys verliehen den schlicht instrumentierten Songs jenen warmen, unaufdringlichen Südstaaten-Sound, der Prines Erzählkunst nie in den Hintergrund drängt, sondern ihr Raum gibt. Was dieses Album so bemerkenswert macht, ist die Reife, mit der ein Debütant hier auftritt. "Sam Stone" seziert das Schicksal eines heroinabhängigen Vietnam-Veteranen mit einer Direktheit, die 1971 ihresgleichen suchte, während "Hello in There" das Altern und die Einsamkeit alter Menschen mit einer Empathie beschreibt, die weit über das Alter des Sängers hinausweist. "Angel from Montgomery" wiederum, aus der Perspektive einer erschöpften Hausfrau geschrieben, zeigt Prines seltene Fähigkeit, sich vollständig in fremde Leben hineinzuversetzen. Kritiker zogen früh Vergleiche zu Bob Dylan, doch Prine verzichtete auf dessen kryptische Bildsprache zugunsten einer fast schon unbequemen Klarheit – Figuren wie der Junge aus "Six O'Clock News" oder die Bergarbeiterstadt aus "Paradise" wirken bis heute wie reale Menschen und Orte, nicht wie literarische Konstruktionen. Kommerziell blieb das Album ein bescheidener Erfolg, doch sein Einfluss auf nachfolgende Songwriter-Generationen ist kaum zu überschätzen. Ein Debüt, das seinen Schöpfer sofort als einen der großen amerikanischen Geschichtenerzähler auswies.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Bra country album. Berättandet och texterna är dess främsta tillgång. Det är enkelt, rakt och fyndiga texter. Jag är antingen av eller på när det kommer till country men detta tillhör det senare. Inga sänken till spår. Bäst är Spanish pipedream, Hello in there, Sam Stone, Angel from Montgomery
The 3-song run of “Flag Decal”, “Far From Me” and “Angel from Montgomery” is really good. The rest was solid but didn’t capture me as much as I wanted
Like a more country Bob Dylan (Dylan himself is a big fan of Prine), great storytelling and a classic sound. Not all of it hits for me though, but there are definite highlights
Folkalbum. Folk ist langweilig.
it is country
I used to dislike country music but have found myself really enjoying it over the last year or so. This album in particular has been great to listen to, will definitely be listening again.
Love the sound of this album. Your flag decal won’t get you into heaven is a fav
Really enjoyed this. Dylan-esque country, this just bounces along telling horrible stories in an upbeat style. Really good.
one of those guys that sings like a buzzer going off. it's not bad though, he's even kinda funny
Its a country album alright
Good lyrics, but I'm not big on country
Love John Prine, solid album of his
Ei
Meh
Songwriting masterclass. Love John Prine. Really really good stuff.
3.5/5
Prine was always a good story teller and those stories were told with such humor, insight and poignancy. I've enjoyed his music for 40+ years.
First time listen, never heard of John Prine until now. The similarity too Dylan is obvious, but that's no bad thing. So I enjoyed it and thought it decent. Will listen again so it must be alright.
Ja no well fine hey
I hate when my bowl of oatmeal tries to stare me down. Wait this guys kinda crazy what is he on about. Just some crazy country it sounds like a parody. Idk man it's nice I like it. Favourite: Six O'Clock News Least favourite: Illegal Smile
John Prine is a revered figure and a favorite of my husband’s, so I was looking forward to my first close listen. Unfortunately, this pretty resoundingly isn’t for me. I can’t do twangy country. Clearly, he’s a wonderful lyricist, but I disliked the songs and the sound. “Angel of Montgomery” is the only track I appreciated.
фигня.
John Prine by John Prine did absolutely nothing for me. My immediate reaction was that it sounded like a Temu version of Bob Dylan, and unfortunately my opinion didn’t improve as the album went on. I know by now through this challenge that country and country-folk music rarely works for me, and this album was no exception. The nasal vocal style, the laid-back delivery and the overall sound just felt whiny and, if I’m honest, quite boring. I also struggled with the lyrics. I know John Prine is highly regarded as a songwriter, but for me the lyrics didn’t come across as witty, insightful or emotionally powerful. Instead, a lot of it felt clichéd and fairly unremarkable. I kept waiting for something to click, but it never happened. This is definitely not an album I’ll be returning to. I can appreciate that many people love his storytelling and understated style, but it just wasn’t for me. Favourite tracks: I genuinely couldn’t pick one that stood out Least favourite tracks: “Quiet Man” reminded me of a poor man’s Tangled Up in Blue Album artwork: Standard country album cover
country is not my cup of tea it sounds kinda sad
Nothing to get excited about. Average guitar work, below average vocals, and lyrics as shallow as a kiddie pool.
Well it’s ok and if you’re a big country fan you probably really like it. There are some decent songs. Sometimes he sounds like Dylan, sometimes even James Taylor.
Surprisingly endearing and poignant
Not for me. If I wanted to listen to Dylan I'd put Dylan on.
Rv
Assume this was riding a Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash based wave of popular country music. Nowhere near as good as either, just constantly doing an impression of them. His nasal vocals reminded me more of the “when I’m cleaning windows” matey.
How have I never listened to this before? The lyrics here are just filled with so much personality. He will be singing the saddest story you have ever heard and it’s filled with so much wit it still has me smiling. The instrumentals and his voice all serve the stories he tells so well. Fantastic album front to back.
Pretty good, nice voice, good songs. Not something I'd listen to super often, but I enjoyed it.
Prine's great, isn't he?
I can see the appeal and the musicianship, just not for me genre-wise
A surprising good listen for me, sounds very Bob Dylan with vocals you can understand.
bit repetitive, nothing revolutionary
I dislike most country, but here is an exception. The lyrics he wrote are just too good to deny.
Love this album! Prine is a one of a kind song writer.
Enjoyed this one
Hat zwischendurch was von Bob Dylan
Was literally listening to this yesterday. This is a monolith of one of my favourite styles of music which was born in Bakersfield and refined through greats like Johnny Cash, Jim Croce, and Mr Prine. This record is probably the first I would aim to learn on guitar if I had the skill for it.
John Prin, in my opinion, was the greatest song writer of all time. My most listened to artist on Spotify
great album. i have heard all the accolades given to him, but i never listened to him. this album is a home run.
This is the touchstone that all other singer songwriter story telling albums should be compared to. I think this has it all... Great lyrics, great stories, great convictions, great choruses, and great music.
A Dylan like artist. I prefer over Dylan. An enjoyable, refreshing, back to basics listen
Absolutely love this album. This was an absolute hidden gem I never heard of.
I loved this one, especially the witty pointed lyrics. I added “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You into Heaven Anymore” to my playlist.
Kermit the Frog had a duet with Willie Nelson back in 2024. Prior to that they never have met. Despite knowing this, you will believe that both Kermit and Willie appear on this album. They do not. This is a knock off Bob Dylan.... I guess? It's on here because he is supposively a good writer. Didn't hear that. You can listen to it twice without throwing yourself into traffic. Thus, 2 stars.
Extremely stereotypical country album. No real standout tracks, a nice enough country music voice but the songs don't do much for me. Starts to get old rather quickly. 2.5/5.
I REALLY liked this. will be looking for a record of it. I love the anti-war messaging
John Prine is a songwriting legend. His songs are filled with wit, sarcasm, and humour, but they still teach valuable lessons, touch on important subjects, and can be heartwarming and touching. His self-titled album has some of his best songs like the opener, Illegal Smile, or the still too relevant Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore. Not to mention Angel from Montgomery and probably my favourite, Pretty Good.
Very Country I thought it a little over long and got a little bored. Some good stuff on here witty lyrics nice feel but a little mundane
I kinda rocked with this ngl. Real cpuntey
This was great. The lap steel is exemplary and the lyrics grab you, and spin you around. Then you laugh as you pick up on the humour mixed in with brutally honest confrontations of heavy issues such as war and drug addiction. All the while, the music expertly blends bluegrass, blues and country into a cocktail that is a pleasure to listen to.
'Pretty Good' and 'Flag Decal...' are top quality social commentary. If I'd had an album of these it would have been incredible. Very solid otherwise and once more I'm surprised by a genre I've never really shown a lot of admiration for.
I hate this type of music, so I'm giving it five stars.
Perushyvää countryä, sopii tiettyyn tilanteeseen oikein hyvin
Country and Western. I think it might be good but it reminded me of Otis Lee Crenshaw so I couldn't take it seriously
Good album for a long trip through the countryside. Reminds me of Jim Croce.
Didn't listen for this project cus I already play it once every few months anyway. Great tunes excellent storytelling
High 4
Like a more country bob dylan. I thought it was “pretty good” top track: pretty good
Of course this would be Bob Dylan's jam. It's almost pure songwriting and storytelling, it's the same awkward folky niche. It's frequently way too twangy for my tastes, though there's attention to detail, it's not that the musicians are bad or generic. Honestly, the more you listen to it, the easier it is to see how clever the songwriting is. It's still not quite enough to win me over, but I recognize it and I'm not mad this is on the list. I'd even go as far as to say I'd eliminate one Dylan album because of the scope of this effort. Still, a dated production which leans well on country, but if you're like, even leaning correctly on country is too much country. 2.3/5
Distinctive voice Great songwriting Stripped down music Folk influenced/country influence Sam Stone: great song about Vietnam vet Great album: four stars
***A good , easy listening album
Oddly salient over. 50 years later. This is the kind of country I go for. Pretty good stuff.
5/10 Best songs: Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven, Angel from Montgomery This album will most likely be what I think of when I think of "country" from now on - even though it's (supposedly) somewhere in the intersection between country and folk (and maybe Americana?). Overall the album is fine. Few standouts either positive or negative, but Your Flag Decal... is still relevant today. That song, at least, is worth listening to.
At first I thought "oh no another Bob Dylan rip off" but the first few tracks were really quite drole and the album grew on me- part late 60s protest, part straight forward country - certainly a few nods to Bobby both pre and post electric - but a unique and compassionate voice coming through. Think Country might be my new thing.
Prune is worth a listen
Tim Rogers has a penchant for referencing artists which explain their context. He did it with Joni and he did the same with John Prine, singing ""And if ol' John Prine won't sing the next line bout something that can make me smile", an overt nod to this album and the opening song. Which is how I came to it. The song writing and singing are ragged, he's no outlaw he's the ticket collector at the Shiloh train station. So many great songs, Paradise, Illegal Smile Angel from Montgomery. Great record.
John Prine is a songwriter's songwriter. These honestly, unpretentiously and simply crafted songs are a masterclass in deft and effective narrative, with vivid characters and stories and emotional honesty. Many people cite "There's a hole in daddy's arm where all the money goes. Jesus died for nothing, I suppose" as one of the greatest lines of lyrics ever. Musically, it is bog simple. It is almost a waste to back this with the American Sound house band. Percussionist Hayward Bishop later recalled, "There was no evidence of groove whatever, and I was hungry for groove. Prine came off like a folk poet. This guy was really nasally, he didn't have any tone to his voice, and all his songs were in the same key! I thought, 'This is gonna be like milking a dag-blasted dog!'" Despite this harsh (but fair) critique, the band milked that dog, restraining themselves enough not to overwhelm the material. The backing is tasteful and sympathetic to the songs. There are a bunch of classics here (Sam Stone, Paradise, Spanish Pipedream, Angel form Montgomery) and a bunch of other songs that most other songwriters would give their left arm to write a track that good. I agree with Haward Bishop that I wish it had a bit more groove and that his voice was a bit better, but I love those songs.
You mean country ISN'T just guns, beer, and a fifth grade education?? As someone who grew up in the midwest and had very little exposure to country as an actual art form as opposed to the squatted truck and thick fake accent poser shit, this album was honestly life-changing. The instrumentals still bore me sometimes, and the songs don't always hit, but thank you John Prine. Thank you for showing me the meaning that can be behind all forms of art, even the "guns and beer" music. A blindspot I was, well, blind too has become extremely apparent to me. Though it won't crack any of my all time lists, this will undoubtedly go down as one of the most impactful albums of the whole 1001 for me. Thank you John Prine. I owe you a great debt. Best: Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore Worst: Spanish Pipedream Liked songs: 9/13, 69% Low 4
listening to this felt like a joke, but so far it actually isn't so bad. i wanna do the spanish pipedream.
This is a great album. He's a pissed-off-at-the-man version of Dylan. Great storytelling and a fun listen.
Disco muy country, no es lo mío.
Simple but super effective. Great country and folk instrumentation, a very pretty voice, sheer storytelling power and not much more, but what else do you really need? It's a very bittersweet and emotional record, but also feels very honest and homely. Lyrically the album isn't super abstract or metaphorical but it doesn't need to. John is just a regular guy and he tells his stories. It's a very comfy album.
I know I’m missing something here that is not connecting with me. Is it me not being a lyrics person? Was it my first listen not sinking in? I know a lot of people like this guy and album, including the folks in my list group, but it hasn’t happened for me yet. I should probably circle back on this one in future.
Dang list!
I am very familiar with this album, and my first thought was this is an automatic 5. But I wanted to listen because maybe it’s a 4. I waited for the songs to get worse as I listened, and they never did. So a 5 for the legend. RIP, John. I’m sorry some assholes refused to wear masks.
worst of the worst. One star is two stars too many.
# Album Name: John Prine # Artist: John Prine # Rating: 3/5 # Comments: Meh, was ok # Top Tunes: # Would I listen to it again? Maybe once
This was my first time listening to John Prine and I’ll definitely do it again soon. This is a really great debut album.
Probably not as keen on the more fun/novelty songs but still a great album 4.5*
un embole
Had a bit of a eye roll when clicked on the Wikipedia page and saw country, thinking that this was that predictable sort of country that has all the stereotypes (Jesus, beer, guns, tractor music.) But no, this is not that! It's very country sounding - has that sort of barnyard sound - as you might expect from a country album, but it's that sort of country that has very conscious lyrics about sticking together. It's also fairly political like in "Paradise" which is about corpo's ruining small communities, and anti-Vietnam War themes best exemplified as "...your dirty little war" from "Your Flag Decal..." There's another side to lyrics which is humour. In some songs it feels like it's taking the piss out of bro country even though this album is from 1971, WAY BEFORE the watered-down country music genre. My favourite lyric (which happens to be humorous) is the eyebrow-raising, jaw-dropping "Well done, hot dog bun, my sister's a nun." This is a really great discovery, I feel this one of those album where everything is done just right. Oh and his voice is like Bob Dylan's but more well done. This is a definitely a must-hear album from country. Highlight Song/s: "Illegal Smile", "Spanish Pipedream", "Paradise" and "Your Flag Decal..."
Had only heard Illegal Smile before today. Thoroughly enjoyed this album, the lyrics, pedal steel guitar, slide guitar, piano/keyboards. Five stars. Lyrics relevant in 1971, even more so in 2026, sadly. * Puzzling why this project has left out these artists from this genre: Arlo Guthrie, John Denver, Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Brown. Glad this one made the cut.
this is not for me
Great country album, favorite song was Your flag decal won’t get you into heaven anymore. I felt the song was still relevant today! I was surprised how well I enjoyed it, easy listening!
Some of the greatest lyrics in history
- Very country, quite odd, comical songs - Kind of like Gilbert O'Sullivan
This album deserves 5 stars just for one song, "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore". :) In all seriousness, most of these songs aren't my cup of tea but I recognize the quality in them.
Prine’s lyrics take this way beyond a quaint if not spectacular folk country album. He was something special, and this record showcases that.
Sorry I just can't do country or songwriting. 1 star.
love the way ’pretty good’ sounds. 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I love John prine so much one of the most soothing voices of all time
leuk, niet helemaal mijn genre
Inoffensive, but samey.
Strong 3 1/2
It was fun.
very country
This was so much better than what I was expecting.
Absolute masterpiece of an album. A songwriter's songwriter. Muse of all angels from Montgomery.
I liked this a lot more than I was expecting on first blush. Was rolling my eyes when I heard what sounded to be Fred Rogers singing country after swallowing Kermit whole. It grew on me quite a bit though, some of the lyrics are good and it’s got some variety in sound which I appreciate. It’s still country, but at least it’s not stadium country. Closer to a 4.
When Prine died of COVID early in the pandemic, I realized that his discography was a huge blind spot for me. Generally less known than some of the legends that admired him, this debut album is always an absolute pleasure to listen to. Wise well beyond his years.
A legend.
Meh !
A pretty good country album. I like the humourous approach to songwriting and the guitar playing is nice to listen to but i feel like there are other country albums from the time that are better 7/10 Favourite: Illegal Smile Least Favourite: Far From Me
Honestly pretty good!
vietnam warr
Humorous country folk album
Great debut album. Some all time classics and some trifles. One of my favorite artists, taken to soon by COVID.
c'mon, what's this doing on a list like this
some all-time classics here
That was fun!
The story telling, the make you feel at home melodies, the whole package. 5 stars. Thank you John Prine!
I’m glad that Ben briefed me on this one before I listened, because I probably would have dismissed it pretty quickly as “not for me.” With Ben’s recommendation, I found a fair bit to love here. Enjoyable listen, but I haven’t fallen in love yet. 6/10 Pretty Good
Nice country album.
Country jeb jeb jebaaaaaanie dupcymi miłe panie fajne nuteczki
A classic
The Singing Mailman delivered.
It sounds like old folk home music in parts, but the lyrics are actually very entertaining. I enjoy a lot of his turns of phrase.
Yeehaw slop. Was so boring and samey that I didn't even realise it had ended
I’m sorry. I’m really trying with the country music but it just isn’t for me. And they need to stop giving me so many country albums
Hillibilly music
🥰🥰🥰
I listened to this album on a work shift spent watching movers pack up all our supplies and haul them to our new building. Off the top of my head, I can only name two songs which utilize the word "monkey" in the lyrics in a way which doesn't immediately make me laugh and break my connection to the song; those two songs are Return to Monke by Viagra Boys and Sam Stone by John Prine; funny enough, my introduction to the songwriting of John Prine is Viagra Boys and Amy Taylor cover of In Spite of Ourselves. These two anecdotes don't really serve to highlight any important point, they merely highlight how small the world truly is sometimes, and how often silly little coincidences pop up in day-to-day life. If I wanted to take this little association as a sign of anything, then I could say that my love for John Prine was foretold through this bit of silly circumstance, but it seems far more likely that John Prine is just an incredible songwriter. Prine's upbeat delivery throughout this album gives the songs an upbeat energy despite its more serious content, managing to sound carefree and serious in tandem. Musically, John Prine delivers some good ol' classic folk, sounding like southern comfort distilled into musical form; this album feels like I'm sitting in a front porch rocking chair. The gentle guitar plucks mix with poetic country lyricism, allowing him to seamlessly switch back and forth between serious and lighter topics while remaining tonally consistent. Apparently, this early folk country sound has a deep place in my heart, as it captures what I love about poetry and gives it a catchy melody and a steady rhythm; I'll almost always fall for this style of music, and John Prine is no exception. Highlights: Spanish Pipedream, Sam Stone, Paradise, Pretty Good, Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore, Far from Me, Donald and Lydia, Six O'Clock News, Flashback Blues
It's very country. It's not bad but it's also not for me.
discount bob dylan
Plum good listenin'.
pretty good. I taste dust i think now. country hippie your flag detail indeed wont get you into heaven six o'clock news was crazy
A great classic country album. Each song tells a good story, and John Prince's voice and guitar are great for each one. I miss this kind of country, even if I wasn't around when it was happening. I love it when a song tells a story .
Perfect!
choosing my favorite prime album is a tough job, but his first five are all contenders. his s/t debut is one of the best debut albums I can think of. great stuff
Relatable, articulate country/folk. I enjoyed this a lot.
Lo escuché mientras me bañaba. Cero mi estilo
4/10
Amazing country album, I’m very excited to look into the rest of his discography now. Five stars.
Aangename stem
Eigenlijk wel tof!! Jonas vond het heel leuk
Country and folk aren't usually my preferred genres of music, so with that said I thought the album was alright. I definitely got notes of Bob Dylan in this album; the lyrics were clever and the guitar playing was nice, but I just couldn't totally get into it. I listened pretty carefully because John Prine is among my dad's favorite artists, so I wanted to give it a fair shake, and I just don't think it's for me. Maybe as I get older I will appreciate this type of music more.
I’m gonna be real, I know a lot of people looooove John Prine, but he was not a staple in my household growing up, so this was tough to get into. Took me like three tries to sit down and listen to this. The folksiness, the kind of cloying voice. It wasn’t an easy listen. But after focusing, I started to get it better about halfway through. I enjoyed his blunt humor, his anger, his blatantly anti-war messaging. It’s clever stuff and I ended up listening to it twice
Some people just have a presence. Something others don’t have. John Prine isn’t doing anything many others aren’t doing but he does it in such a unique way
4/10
Incredible
An additional star out of respect for my friends
Not usually a fan of country (and this is only kinda that) but the best of the genre are exemplified by really great, uniquely American storytelling. This has it in spades. Prine is able to balance wit, tragedy, pathos, and rhyme all together to make something that is really special.
I won't every argue when it comes to listening to this piece of music. John Prine is bar none one of the greatest American song writers of all time. This album is a no skip education in emotional story telling. Featuring great sounding instruments and classic production.
Kind of the same affect for each song, not really much difference from one song to the next. At first it didn't bother me, but as the album progress, it got to me.
Prine is another one of my blind spots. Loved the country vibes on here. The lyrics were great.
me gusta el country?????
Country & western. Not for me
fdhzdzcv
This is a solid album. You wouldn't think the same chords over and over would work, but John Prine has a nearly unique ability in that regard. I like him best when it sounds like the song is coming through him, maybe from tradition, maybe from the country itself.
I have huge respect for this guy and what a debut album. His ability to blend real life melancholy with offbeat humour is astounding. And having in this one album three classic time old songs – Paradise, Hello in there and Angel of Montgomery the latter which has been covered multiple times really showcases his songwriting talent. One of my favourite albums ever.
Loved this album. Simple but fun and enjoyable, there’s not a lot of country on the list so it’s nice to get some and it be so endearing. Need to return to this one later
Murica again. Nice stories and all, but nothing extra for me. I think this is just the culture difference. I’m sure i could enjoy this more if i were american
listened to this whilst walking around my (going to be) new neighbourhood. beautiful sunny day, people enjoying the sunshine in the park. how perfect
12/04/2026 Just like every country singer I've heard on here so far... no change, no different. Spotify listeners: 1.5 million
muy buenos efectos/sintes, es del 71
448/1089 - It's a fine mix of Folk and Country. I don't really have much to say about albums I consider 3 stars. It's more fun to talk about 5s and 1s.
This was good, although I really couldn't stand the slow country songs. However, he really turned it around midway way through with "Pretty Good" and "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven." 3.0/5.0: Good
"gonna put a john prine record on, yea we need to slow down for a while"
Yeehaw!!!! I was having a very stressful day at work, played this album on my headphones to stop hearing all the bustle at the office and it took me to country paradise. It's rare for me to listen to country but when I do, I enjoy it.
I liked this. I got shades of John Denver, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Roger Miller, and 70's C&W, but with a pleasant melodic twist (eg. the organ accompaniment in Sam Stone). I love a good finger-picking storytelling song, and this album was crammed full of them. The writing and performance were absolutely impeccable and I really enjoyed the grooves of every single track. I listened to the album twice and probably would've gone for a third time if I hadn't run out of day. Five stars.
Un poco Dylan descafeinado. Me gustana más las canciones más folksys y menos country. Su voz me parece carismática, seguro que suena de fondo en alguna peli de los Coen...
I definitely could have died without ever hearing this album
solid 4, melodias muito gostosas com uma produção totalmente country-folk
Mid country
Solid country. I'm feeling rootin and tootin
Jesus that overdose song was graphic. Fuck man these songs are dark. Kinda good country. Dark subject matter sometimes though.
This was lovely. I am not a country fan at all, but even with the twang in both guitar and vocals, I really enjoyed listening to this. He is just so witty and funny and weaves some great tales with some memorable characters. Definitely will keep listening to this
I was just reading a book where it talked about this artist. This is not what I expected to hear. This will be a journey today. Ok, this opening track is so catchy and fun. It’s what I miss about music. Clever lyrics. This album is fantastic. The music and singing is great and the songs are catchy and clever.
This was an interesting listening experience! Personally, I don’t think this album was for me. I don’t particularly like country music so this was a miss but I can see why people might enjoy this album. I think there was only like two songs I liked so I don’t see myself listening to this again in the future!
Nice, good-old-fashioned country. But nothing that really hooks me. 2,5
I love Paradise, what a great song!
Sam Stone fannst mér svoldið svakalegt, en hitt ekki nógu eftirminnilegt til að toga plötuna upp í fjarka.
While not being a big fan of country music in general, I was ever so slightly dreading the album. That being said, I actually had fun listening to it. I don't really think I have ever allowed myself to sit down and actually listen to any country music. I also feel that a lot of the time, it has this sort of stigma about it. But as I said, I had fun listening to it. Prine's vocals were really lovely to listen to and suited the tracks he was making. There are obviously some songs that stand out more than others, but altogether it was a decent album, and not a bad one at all to have as my first country album. Favourites: Illegal Smile Sam Stone Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore Flashback Blues
Will occasionally listen to John, but it’s been a long time since I did. Country/folk with the lyricisms in the Dylan vein. Both funny and sad, the human condition. All as relevant as they were in 71. Musical instrumentation is fairly minimal, but still excellent but always fits as a vehicle for the stories. All are never less than interesting and a favourite, Hello in there is just achingly beautiful. 4 Star
not bad, the kind of country i like
I was pleasantly surprised and liked this a lot! I hadn't heard of Prine before, as I'm not generally huge on country/folk, but reading the wiki and seeing his writing praised highly by Bob Dylan had me intrigued. This album was really interesting to focus and listen to the stories in the lyrics, I wasn't bored for a moment.
Folky, bluesy, country-y guitar music. It was okay, but not really my thing, I think.
This was Pretty Good.
The GOAT. Nobody could write a song like John Prine. Flat out, nobody. And his first record may have had the strongest sides he ever recorded. Genius, and sad he's not here anymore to keep us laughing and crying at the same time.
Personal enjoyment: 4/5 Relevance to this list: 4/5
John Prime time travelled to hear modern day Dylan and asked 'how can I make his voice even more irritating?' But he also read Dylans complete book of lyrics and wrote some poetry, so there's that. Really not my thing but clearly a very smart chap. 3/10
I have this album.
It’s crazy that I, the biggest Bob Dylan fan I know had never heard of this peak. It’s touching but also quite funny at times. Great instrumentation too.
That's some pretty decent Country
Surprisingly likeable for a country album