Reviews (page 4 of 9)
All songs sounds same Don’t like his voice Country
Great album, Greta lyrics, possibly a bit of it’s time but still some poignant lyrics which just shows we haven’t come that far in 50 years
The lyrics are quite clever but I’m not into country and this is… very country.
John's lyrics are great. And I like the folk singer/songwriter genre a lot. Yet I find John's music (not the lyrics, but the actual music) simply decent. Even though I'm a big Dylan fan, I still listen to music mostly because of the sound, not the words. So 3 stars :/
A stone cold classic. Hey all you MAGA asshats: Your flag decal won't get you into heaven anymore!
A five-star debut from Mr Prine. Several standouts, including Angel From Montgomery, Hello In There and Sam Stone. He paints a picture with every song. Not a bad song on this album.
Fairly interesting lyrics and I enjoyed the bluesier numbers (Pretty Good was pretty good). Not my genre though.
Surprisingly entertaining and funny clever lyrics
I was prepared to hate this based on the cover being the most country thing ever, but it actually wasn't bad. Somewhat Dylan-esque in parts, and some great lyrics stood out even on a casual listen.
I put this album to spin and was "oh no another country album "(I had Nitty Gritty last week), but this actually I didn't mind much and actually lied it. And it was the storytelling- the observation of those small moments in everydayblife you find happiness. Might listen to it again reading the lyrics. 3/5 the album is okish
Very much what I expected/ not in a good way 2/5
Bob Dylan style folk singing Illegal Smile Spanish Pipedream Sam Stone Angel from Montgomery
bon c'è your flag decal ecc.. anche oggi mi andrà bene :)
Nope, too much country
This was not as bad as I feared. Country twang, but a folk feel. Country leans 2 for me and folk 2-3 (maybe a Dylan 4 in there).
The supposed satire of this was utterly lost on me. One tune endlessly picked on his geetaar. Lyrics were just a jumble of words telling what he did that day or who he knew.. it got on my nerves, what is this doing on this list?
What in the Hillbilly Dylan? Sick of hearing the word Jesus. Jesus indeed. This is crap. It didn't seem to end. To be fair, I didn't turn it off so it's not a 1.
"Sam Stone" is a heavy hitter, "Pretty Good" is a whole vibe, really the whole album slaps. Definitely going into regular rotation for me.
ok. 4/5 for the quirky uniqueness.
Very country, very Bob Dylan.
I'm not a tremendous fan of country music. It's just not for me, and I have to be honest I really don't like John Prine's voice. What I will give him is his lyricism. I did feel engrossed, to some extent, in the story that he was telling. I grew up in the south so I could envision some of the stories in his songs as he was weaving them. I just didn't like much else, unfortunately.
I liked it. 3.5 stars
I loved the chill vibes with this one!
I’ve tried to get into John for years and never can. Same reaction on this listen. Every song individually is a C+ at worst but that just doesn’t grab me.
Man, country music used to be good. We had songs actually about the working class, anti war songs, ones mocking superficial patriotism. RIP to John Prine, a songwriting legend
I don't know what it was exactly but this album really touched me...maybe its the fact he is from the midwest, maybe that he uses the name Loretta, or that he referenced Reader's Digest or the puns just make me think of clever dad jokes. All in all it was so pastoral in its language but so deep in its meaning. Never have I heard lyrics that used such simple pedestrian language that made such deep and big impact. What was also beautiful to me personally is the country western feel but the lyrics that felt so liberal and anti-establishment. Your flag decal won't get you into heaven was just as timely when it was written as it is today. Growing up in a rural America and loving so much of it and connecting with 95% of it I have always struggled to completely embrace that identity because the other 5% is associated with loud, obnoxious, conservative hate. So maybe that is the real reason I connect with this, John Prine took that 95% of me and mixed it with 5% of quiet, kind, sincere love for others that I believe in. This album is just beauty to me.
This is a really great folk-country-blues fusion. Really enjoyed the songwriting. The poetry of his lyrics really speaks to me. Gotta listen to more John Prine!
I don't know if I've ever heard a song that made me cry the very first time I listened to it. Usually my tears come from a nostalgia I have for it, or from already having an emotional connection to the lyrics or sounds of the song. So congrats Hello In There, you've done it! (Also hormones may have contributed) Today is one of those days I'm so very thankful for this project. I've heard great things about John Prine, but I've never bothered to explore his music. This album has some beautifully heart-wrenching moments - Hello in There wasn't the only one that made me misty. He writes such wise and emotional stories with his lyrics. The songs are also catchy and familiar and DO feel nostalgic, even though I wasn't familiar with them. They also feel humble and unpretentious, which brings an additional beauty. I loved all of it, zero complaints.
Never heard of John Prine before, though I know for a fact that this can only be one of three things - country, singer/songwriter or folk. I'm gonna hedge my bets on folk - that crowd likes putting banjos in their album covers. Ah geez, dood. Closer inspection of the album cover reveals that the banjo is actually an acoustic guitar, and the album is more country than folk. It was so obvious from the get-go. I shoulda known from the bale of hay - I've never seen a folk musician in a farmyard before. Anyways, this isn't bad. Very country, of which I'm always down to hear more - I never get enough of a fill in my usual music-listening antics. This is an alright time, though truth be told I don't care too much for it. John Prine is a talented vocalist and the instrumentals are tried and true country, though there isn't too much going on here which hooks me and the songs have a nasty habit of blending together. "Paradise" has some nice lyrics and a good instrumental. "Far from Me" has a classical country atmosphere, and I like some of the musical embellishments - notably the clinking sounds and reverberating guitars. "Angel from Montgomery" is another good cut. A very good acoustic sound, and I enjoy how the guitar is underscored by the beautiful piano and warbling organ. "Donald and Lydia" is another good one. More of the same sound, though I can appreciate the delicate vocals and instrumentation. Book time. Compared to Bob Dylan a lot - I can see that now. Prine is a much better vocalist, and I can appreciate this style of music and lyrics when I'm not getting earblasted by that dreaded harmonica. A whole lotta nothing thereafter. Wikipedia reveals that this album was decently received by critics but had an underwhelming chart performance. Apparently Prine is "one of the most influential songwriters of his generation". I'm no country authority, so I guess I can let this one slide. I cosign this inclusion.
Country-folk music. Kind of has a Dylan vibe to it. Pitchfork: n/a Rolling Stone: Top 500 Albums #149 (2020) Best Songs Illegal Smile Spanish Pipedream Sam Stone Angel from Montgomery
Folky country music. It’s fine
Simple, delightful storytelling. An easy, listenable voice.
Oh goodness! Thank god that is over. Droning on and on trying to be too clever with producing 4th grader lyrics. Was a chore - and Im not trying to be cruel. I know why I never heard of him prior (And have been here for 62+ years...)
Amongst all of the other terrible aspects of COVID-19, it took John Prine from us. This wonderful, thoughtful, beautiful folk debut album is a must listen for singer/songwriter and country fans. Favorite track: Sam Stone
Brilliant songwriting, and I think this guy's voice is suited to the genre. I should give this album five stars, but somehow, despite some of the songs being intelligently comedic, listening to the album leaves me with a profound sadness that I can't explain, and I don't like that feeling, so I'm downgrading to four stars on that basis... Because while I would listen to it again, it's not an album I would want in my collection.
Not usually my type of music, but there is something relaxing about it. If it started playing, I wouldn’t change it, but I wouldn’t go looking for it.
2-3 songs stood out
Incredible melodies and poignant lyrics. Slide guitar will always be an elite instrument. Nothing to dislike here.
I didn’t listen to lyrics but I enjoyed the folky country twang
Absolutely fine. I can hear the Dylan influence. I wouldn't complain if someone put it on.
Exceptional writing
This is what people pretend Bob Dylan was, but much better. Beautiful, witty writing paired with a sweet and modest voice. It’s 4.5 if I could give one.
random ass country album mal wieder. idk. 2.5.
This would be a 2.5 at the most if it wasn't for the completely unhinged lyrics. This guy's nuts. Love it. Hot dog bun.
This shit is fire. Dark biting storytelling over lowkey guitar. Classic America. Surprised I’ve never heard of this album before the man is a poet.
Sympathique et candide. Certains accompagnements d’orgue et de guitare électrique sont datés, mais rien qui ne dépare l’ensemble
Look, I know that this is good, and I know that it is seminal folk, but it's just like a blander Dylan to me DON'T SHOOT ME!!!
Amazing and a revelation. I can’t believe I’ve never heard (if) him before. I’ve already ré listened to Quite Man back to back and downloaded the album. The lp will be purchased soon. I live the simple lyrics that have such complex ideas and meaning. It takes a truly talented artist to pull this off so well.
This is a nice old school country album. It didn't stand out to me at all so I checked the Wikipedia to se if I was missing something. The main focus there was on the writing and the influence on later artists. As a non native speaker that might explain why I didn't find that little extra that makes this album special. That being said his voice is clean and the country feeling of the album is still great.
Prime, Dylan, and Springsteen all were played a ton in my house growing up as it’s what my dad likes, so they always have a bit of a soft spot for me. I don’t always dig the sound on this album but you just don’t get much better storytelling than this. Incredibly moving tracks like Sam Stone and Pretty Good are the highlights for me.
Favorite tracks: Spanish Pipedream, Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore I've never been a country fan so when I heard that twang in his voice I wasn't particularly looking forward to this album. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed listening to it (even if it's one I likely won't revisit). The lyrics are punchy and unapologetic, and getting a reprieve from the Christian nationalism of a lot of today's country songs was refreshing (looking at you, Flag Decal). This album taught me that I can get behind country if the lyrics are actually meaningful, well done John Prine 👏🏼
This was in general more country than I typically like, but I recognize the quality of the songwriting, and there were a few songs that I thought were excellent: Hello in There and Angel From Montgomery were a couple of standouts. A very strong three. Actually, no, I think the songwriting sneaks it into four.
Not bad singing.
For me, this album was like waiting in a crowded line: at first, you think it's not so bad, but after a few minutes, it becomes tedious and monotonous, and you just want it to be over as soon as possible.
It was hilarious how much this sounded like Bob Dylan. Still a long lost country Dylan album was pretty fun. I'd get a lot more out of this if I pulled up the lyrics while I listened. Rating: 2.8
It’s got that horrible country twang.
Didn’t expect to love this so much. Had no idea Prine wrote Angel From Montgomery. Poetic, powerful anti-war songwriting and moving storytelling, just as country should be! My favorite thing about this album is how effortlessly Prine glides between themes and tones. His delivery is always relaxed and it’s unmistakable in each track that’s he’s got a love for the music
This is a nice record, easy to listen to, and yet there's definitely some depth to the lyrics.
I really liked this one. So much so that I was already going to the record store later that day and I bought it. I hate to break it to y'all but "Your Flag Decal Wont Get You Into Heaven Anymore".
I enjoyed it, though it wasn't amazing.
This was fine. Really liked "Pretty Good" and "Quiet Man". The description I read of this album (and John Prine) is that he was considered "America's next Dylan" and for the record I'd like to say that his voice and style is way better than Dylan's.
da risentire, non è roba proprio per me
mi è piaciuto tanto ascoltarlo e molti testi sono davvero belli. è esattamente quell’album che ti senti in macchina facendo un road trip in america ma è stato anche bello ascoltarlo mentre facevo colazione nel chill
Eccessivamente country classico americano per me ma apprezzo le vibes
Un bell’album tra folk e country. Ascoltandolo sembra di stare in mezzo alle praterie sconfinate dell’america vera (🦅🦅🇺🇸🇺🇸). Una piacevole scoperta
I expected to hate this album, but I was pleasantly surprised. I absolutely loved this! It was fun with cheeky lyrics that kept me engaged the entire time. I'd never listened to John Prine before, but I totally understand why he gets the praise he does as a songwriter. Kind of can't believe this is his debut album because it's so good. "Illegal Smile," "Spanish Pipedream," and "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore" are my favorite songs, but I really loved everything on here. Plus, "Your Flag Decal..." is as timely today as ever. Reminded me a lot of Bob Dylan's "Masters of War." This album is definitely up there as one of my best surprises since beginning to listen to this list.
First impression is that this is the kind of folk-y country I don't really like, but I will give it a chance. Ok, it was better than I thought and had me tapping my foot along. Still don't love the twangy, Bob Dylan style of singing, but I see the appeal for those that like the country genre. Mid-ish 3, which feels generous as a country hater.
Yeeeeehaw! Let's go! This guy sounds like a twangy Dylan who actually took a singing lesson or two. Illegal Smile is a low-key hilarious ode to drug use. In part because I've never heard such a thing over folk country twang. But equally for the hilarious lyrics: "fortunately I have have the key to escape reality;" "hot dog bun, my sister's a nun." While Illegal Smile might tout the harmless side of drugs, Sam Stone hits harder to the reality of the situation telling a tale of an addict who only works to stoke his habit while his kids run around without clothes on. Such a sad refrain: "there's a hole in daddy's arm where all the money goes; Jesus Christ died for nothing, I suppose." Absolutely love Pretty Good. Nice sway to it and its a bit harder leaning with the distorted guitar and organs. Also love Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore as an anti-war anthem. This was a damned solid folk country album that covered a lot of territory. Some songs were very twangy, while others dipped into blues and psychedelia. Touched on some serious subject matter (anti-war, drugs, civil rights), but did so with almost a black humor to it. I'll say this isn't one I'll listen to a bunch, but it was nice this morning. Soft 4.
John Prine. Didn't hate it at first, but it's just the same thing over and over again. So boring.
Always have heard of this John Prine fella but never have given him a listen. That was some very good country and the type of country that I really enjoy listening too. Kristen Stewart and and Emile sing Angel from Montgomery in Into the Wild I am glad I was able to pull that form my brain when I heard it. Great movie, great song. Solid 4 for being a top tier country album
Hot dog bun my sisters a nun. RIP! I have a very soft spot for John Prine. My Dad pretty much raised me on some of his albums, and while I'm not a huge country person he scratches a certain itch. Sam Stone is an absolute classic. I randomly sing the chorus to myself here and there. Same with Angel From Montgomery. Enjoyable stuff all around. Glad we got a Prine album on here
I respect country music as a genre
Yeah, no
When I woke up this morning, things were lookin' bad Seem like total silence was the only friend I had Bowl of oatmeal tried to stare me down and won And it was twelve o'clock before I realized that I was havin', no fun Very relatable.
It pains me a little to give this beautiful album just four stars, but while I thoroughly enjoyed re-listening to it and John Prine is clearly one of the greatest songwriters, I feel like the album itself is more of a collection of very good to great songs, and not really an album, with a specific arc or a “story” told through the songs. Maybe that’s an unreasonable request, but was unfortunately somewhat limiting to my enjoyment of the listening experience. Alas, I still love you John. You are one of the greatest.
It's a good un, but perhaps a bit twee?
I'm not a huge fan of the style (folk country with a side of country folk), but I can recognize the songwriting talent and skill. I do like other peoples' covers of his songs better than his own versions, though.
Good ol’ hippy dippy protest music. Done the right way.
A classic for a reason. This one picks up steam as it goes along but the whole thing is great. Far from Me and Angel from Montgomery were my faves.
A very sparse album. No doubt he wrote some excellent songs but his delivery is a little "plain". Contemporaries like Neil Young or Harry Nilsson have more texture in my opinion. Angel From Montgomery is an amazing some so Bonnie Raitt made it what is is, not this original version.
Really simple but powerful songs. I only knew “Angel From Montgomery” before today but I liked this!
Doing the 1001 album generator has me questioning my listening conditions and how it will affect how I receive different albums. Like what kind of speakers, is it streaming vs physical media, am I in the car, etc. I put this on over my 3M worktunes while I push mowed my yard and wherever I was at mentally this album just demolished me. I love it.
john prine is one of my favorite songwriters of all time and although he had a lot of gems over the course of his career, his self-titled debut to me is his best and most consistent release. this album showcases everything great about john. his songs can have a sense of humor, or they can gut punch you. they can be political, slice of life, or over the top, but what they all are is human. from 'angel from montgomery' to 'sam stone,' from 'hello in there' to 'paradise,' there is such an overwhelming focus on people and their circumstances. one of my all time favorites from one of my all time favorites.
John Prine is a legendary songwriter and I'd really like to spend more time digging into his discography. Where better to start than his debut? Angel from Montgomery is a hell of a song to have on your first album. I'm so glad to finally have listened to one of his albums and be as enamored with his storytelling as I was sure I would be. Excited to discover more.
fine country with some nice lyrics, sometimes a bit overly Smart, very repetitive though
Mostly acoustic folk arrangements based around guitar picking/strumming fleshed out with fiddles, slides, organs, a touch of bass, light percussion, and the odd fuzzy electric guitar, all putting the vocals front and center. Traditional tools for timeless songs in the peak moment of post Dylan 70s country rock harnessing Americana aesthetics to explore the darkness of cold war nationalism for its own inhabitants through a series of pained character studies.
I won't listen to much country. This album reminded me why. The instrumental worked well, but it was very simple, even a little bit boring. The themes of the songs are interesting. Starting with a song about getting doped up and committing murder is definitely a choice, but not the one that I would have made. I hate the vocals in most country music. Singing everything flat and nasal like this isn't for me. I would have lost nothing if I had never listened to this album. Instead, I lost 45 minutes of my life that I won't get back.
Halfway through and IDK what to think yet. Not a 1, not a 5... not anywhere in the middle either really... Wow, this album gets deep. But what isn't deep is John Prine's voice. I don't really like his voice all that much. Definitely takes away from some songs. I wanted to like this album more than I did. "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore" is the standout I think. Other songs had their moments, but were just not good all the way through.
I understand that the lyrics are the focus, but it doesn't mean that the melody and backing should be such a tick-box exercise.
Good country/folk album. The lyrics have a Dylan-esque quality to them; I could see going back to a few tracks on here.
John Prine John Prine John Prine John Prine. AmaJohn Prine. The big haystack himself. Bill Hicks impersonator extraordinaire. We’re back after a long weekend (not long enough am I right fellas????) and ready for the year music leaked according to this list Illegal Smile - That’s right everybody, the libs are trying to make smiling illegal. Wait wouldn’t that side be excited about that. Who knows. Buddy lost a stare down with a bowl of oatmeal. Liked that line. The words are very interesting, but unfortunately, it sounds like Raffi for adults. Spanish Pipedream - American man goes to Montreal. This song is better. Small amount of grit has been acquired and the lyrics remain a foray into deep left-field. Hello in There - This is what it’s like to be John Prine’s pet and live in a small cage as he tunes his guitar. Hello in there. This isn’t the beautiful song he thinks it is, but it’s not as bad as I thought it might get. A decent exploration of monotony and changes that accompany the passage of time. Sam Stone - Now that’s a good song. Dark track about drug abuse and the post-war perils faced by veterans of war. The lyrics are very creative; non pretentious, yet extremely creative. Two thumbs up. Paradise - Hell yeah. Gettin’ real folk-y. Up in them hills type beat. There is a lot to be said about our personal attachments to places. I get a lot out of this. Pretty Good - YEAH! This rips. Sad and blunt with a beautifully catchy chorus. Such an attitude on this one. Love it. Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore - BASED. Listen up dorks. Talk about being attached to a place, but this time in a negative light. All these doofus nationalistic christians who blindly support genocides, both foreign and domestic in the name of their god or country need to sit and listen to this song until they develop some level of sentience. Might be awhile. Far From Me - Heartbreaking. A little more repetitive than the previous tracks, but maintains the lonely charm I’ve come to enjoy. Angel from Montgomery - All lyrics here. Song itself is bleh, but the words have me on the edge of my seat. I’m not going to be able to pen a dissertation here about what exactly each phrase means to me, but hey, each word tends to grab me and at least lurch my brain out of idle. That’s a victory. Quiet Man - News for me? Well here’s some news for you, pal, I’ve got nothing for you. This is a banger. Donald and Lydia - Buddy loves talking about the days of the week. “It felt just like Sunday on Saturday afternoon.” That line left a smouldering crater where it landed here with me. Some lines just speak to you directly and that one was phrased so well. Music itself is once again just fine, but the lyricism continues to blow me away. Six O’Clock News - Ugh man. This one devastated me as well. Never been happier to be depressed. Atta boy Prine man. Flashback Blues - Verging towards the riverboat. A boring close. Should’ve let it linger in the devastation of the previous track. What I would give to be able to write like John Prine can write. He’s like Bob Dylan without the performative pretension. The way he doesn’t over explain, but still tells a coherent story is truly masterful. The lyrics on this record have carved a path in my mind. I will be revisiting this work as the music was competent and I cannot say enough about the prose. This record made a big impact with me. Time may increase its value even further. 4 HIGHLIGHTS: Spanish Pipedream, Sam Stone, Sam Stone, Pretty Good, Quiet Man, Six O’Clock News
Easy listening country
Not much of a country fan but there are a few interesting tunes on here, Hello in There, Pretty Good and Angel of Montgomery stand out, probably a 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
country folk is just not for me i fear
Ok.
Thoughts before listening: John Prine's debut album, and one that features many of his most well known songs. I love this album, and I love John Prine. Review: The review sections on this project are a strange place. Imagine hearing this album for the first time and then immediately writing a review about how much you hate country music. What does that have anything to do with John Prine? This is a special album by a special artist. Just one catchy, well written song after the next. John had an amazing way with words, making you laugh in one song, cry in the next, and often weaving in layers of social and political commentary throughout. Absolutely a 5-star album for me.
As a Californian, this level of hokey does not compute.
Didn't grip me, nor quite entertained me
Okay, it's possible I should have been listening to John Prine a lot sooner.
Only John Prine could have a happy song about illegally smoking pot and the most devastating song you've ever heard about illegally doing heroin two songs apart and get away with it so effortlessly.
I also ways appreciate John Prine's ability to be so sarcastically sincere.
Since I've been listening to more country music than I usually do as part of the project, and to albums that I liked surprisingly well, I was looking forward to this album. John Prine plays good, unagitated music. I could listen to it well. But it didn't excite me. If I come across it again, I won't turn it off. But I won't go looking for it either. 3/5
An anti war country album?!!they were cooking back then Fav songs sam stone and pretty good
I initially really liked what this album was going for when I heard the first track, it resonated with me a lot honestly. The comedic aspect of this album helps this album sound better than it really does. The songwriting as well was something to be admired but the one thing that got on my nerves was the production. Don't get me wrong it wasn't bad or even mid but it just doesn't hold a candle to the other positive aspects of this album. There were some great tracks on here but I'd lying if I said I didn't almost doze off once or twice listening to this. Top 5: Illegal Smile, Spanish Pipedream, Sam Stone, Pretty Good, and Angel from Montgomery no bad songs 3.55/5
Solide Country Music der frühen 70er. Solide aber unspektakulär.
Calling this a masterclass in lyricism would be a little inaccurate, as I’m not sure anyone can absorb and then accurately recreate John Prine’s authenticity. What a captivating listen. I’m a hard sell on lyric-based music too! The opening song had me hopeful but I didn’t want to get my hopes up TOO high - these things often fall in quality after the first song. But the next “Spanish Pipedream” reassured me that I’d be clinging to every clever, personable line on this record. Outside of singing a little bit too much like Bob Dylan (a comp I make at least every other week at this point), I couldn’t possibly see a problem with this self-titled effort. The chorus on the aforementioned “Spanish Pipedream” is so money. “Hello In There” while still clever, is a much more sobering picture of domestic aging and the casual hardships people face as the years go by. “Sam Stone” basically lays out the blueprint for Born In The USA lyrically; a protest song in the form of a story about a vet coming home - except WAY more tragic and vivid. I will say, “Pretty Good” left me scratching my head a bit. Maybe this one is more Dylanesque than the rest, as I’m not too sure what the point was, or what went into some of the strange lyrical choices. But that’s ok, because “Your Flag Won’t Get You Into Heaven” picks things right back up. While it’s a Vietnam protest song, I found this one to have an evergreen message that could be handed down to many Americans in present day. I definitely had a facetious little smile on my face by the time this one ended. “Angel From Montgomery” is much like every other song of general hardship, but somehow again Prine has a thoughtful little lyrical spin on the whole thing. “Quiet Man” really seemed to be the only song without a real direction of any sort - maybe that was the whole point. An actual note on something that isn’t the lyricism, I LOVE the way “Donald and Lydia” was played out with that shiney guitar melody. A bright way to end a bright song. I think I have to give this album a 5/5. I was hooked from the start and wasn’t let down even through some of the more stereotypical songs. Prine is just self-aware enough to ensure the listener won’t be let down by repetition or cliche, while still remaining wildly personable and authentic in his storytelling. Really well-built project — I beg you to listen to at least the first half of it. Earned it’s way into the rarified air of 5 star albums I previously never knew anything about
Quaint
Nice folk songs. Can be a good vibe if you’re in the mood. But I was at work so didn’t do much for me…
This ain’t my cup of tea, though I did love the song ‘Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore’. It’s a really great take on how you can’t just wear any symbol, and expect to be a good person. It takes effort and conviction to treat all people with respect and be kind. The rest of the album… it’s aight. But nothing I would go back to.
I wish this is what country music sounded like today. I really enjoyed the social commentary of the time instead of hearing about how great Friday night in a field is. Just the right amount of folk influence as well. Overall a great listen I’ll come back to again. Well done, hot dog bun, my sister’s a nun.
A pretty good folk album. The lyrics were fun, but no song really stuck with me. A nice change of pace for this list.
John Prine is such an icon. Great songwriting. Great story telling. Pretty underrated in the scheme of music. 4/5
3 08.21.2025
I love this album. It’s easily one of the best country albums ever written. Every song stands out. His singing is instantly recognizable. The lyrics and writing are iconic. There’s so much range and so much to find on each re-listen. I love this album a lot. 5/5
Country-folk with clever lyrics and songwriting
Mostly fine.
Pretty nice country folk album. I enjoyed it.
It was alright but I wouldn’t go back to it.
I’ve been positively surprised by the other country albums on the list, as I thought I hated the genre. A few of them haven’t been half bad, though. This one, however, was a chore to get through. The vocals have the same nasal tone throughout, and none of the songs bring any highlights or joy.
fun
Going by my usual country scale - I don’t think the characters in Tremors would listen to this. I feel the inhabitants of Perfection need a bit more kick.
One of the greatest shows I've ever seen was John Prine in Nashville on New Years' Eve. Among the most underrated songwriters of all time, and if you only pick one album of his to own, it should be this one.
It just makes we want to listen to Bob Dylan Angel from Montgomery is fire tho
i liked it more than i thought i would
bob dylan if he was more country and funny. can’t recall ever actually laughing at music.
Another dude I never heard of. Should have known by the hay in the cover that this would be ultra country. I thought more folk. Further I got in it was more folk with country twang. I liked this. Interesting lyrics. Nicer melodies than country for sure. More diverse instruments it felt like. I’d listen to this again for sure. Worst part was his voice - but not annoying, just not polished.
Okay
Didn't do anything for me, but fine.,
I suspect John is an acquired taste, not unlike say maybe a Tom Waite. Some of the tunes seemed like an attempt at humor? Anyway, it doesn't work for me.
Starts with the wrong song. "Illegal Smile" is goofy and nowhere near as good as the tracks which follow it. The album is full of great songwriting stuffed with witticisms, criticisms, and soul. It's worth giving a chance to because it really does improve.
Typical country album. OK for me
Haunting buy great
Not my thing at all but I can understand why others might love it.
Meh. Too twangy. But better than modern country of course.
Album 865 of 1089 John Prine - John Prine (1971) Rating : 5 / 5 I’ve been looking forward to this one for a while—John Prine’s debut. He’s grown to be a favorite of mine, so I was all set to enjoy it in my usual way… until an asshole decided to derail my listening session. Even with the distraction, though, the album shone through. Prine’s songwriting is as sharp and heartfelt as ever, and every track feels like it could be a personal favorite. There’s not a dud in the bunch. He really is a treasure to the music world, and I’ll be revisiting this one with my full attention soon. This isn't the review I saw myself delivering for this album but once the moment is ruined, it is ruined.
Fin country med mye vibber
John Prine isn't the greatest singer in the world, but it gives this album a bit of realness to it which works really well for it.
Classic
I love him but this is not my overall favorite.
Another melancholy, heart-tugging album. Sigh <3
I've heard these songs before but not the entire album. The kind of album that was probably in the cheap bin 20 years ago but now sought after. It's ok but the style wears on you after a while. Definitely the kind of album that's good in a mix with other like artists/songs but kind of thin on it's own.
Most of the album sounds the same – lots of slow to mid tempo folk-country acoustic and slide guitar ballads. No matter how good John Prine is lyrically, and often he is, I just couldn't get around this. His uber nasal delivery also doesn’t help. The best moments are when Prine and band deviate from the formula and flesh out the arrangements with more instrumentation. ‘Pretty Good’, ‘Angel From Montgomery’ and ‘Quiet Man’ are the highlights of the album for me, precisely because they veer away from the musical formula the rest of the album employs.
Prine's poetry is so perfect: timeless (it's kind of wild to note how relevant so many of his lyrics are -- if someone told me they had been written a few months ago, I'd believe it), and his low-key delivery complements the songs perfectly. Love.
Prine somehow is able to combine the contemporary and folksy country in both themes and music. The songwriting cuts deeper than you initially think because it is simple yet insightful. Wonderful album.
This is everything a singer-songwriter album should be. No pretentiousness, no weird omphaloskepsis-fueled “journeys” into their own navel. It is just simple music, meaningful lyrics, and the kind of lived-in storytelling that makes you feel like you’re hearing it over a beer in a dive bar. Standouts for me were “Angel from Montgomery” (absolutely gorgeous) and “Paradise” (fiddle and all). It’s honest, unvarnished, and somehow timeless, like these songs have always been here, waiting for me to listen.
Dit is één van de minst vervelende country albums op deze lijst. Tuurlijk gaat ook deze kerel weer knauwend allerlei levensverhalen zingen, maar we gaan rappers er ook niet op aanvallen dat ze het n-woord gebruiken en het hebben over het leven van de straat, toch? Toch?? Ik vond deze wel prima wegluisteren. Niet te lang. 3,5 en ach kom, ik maak er een keer een 4 van. Ik ben een gulle jongen.
John Prine isn't talked about enough. He should be mentioned more alongside of Willie Nelson, Harry Nilsson, and Randy Newman
7/10 fun sound, reminds me a lot of road trip music I like, and it’s probably my preferred form of country.
Highlight for me was “Angel from Mongomery”. Definitely feels like a country Bob Dylan. I enjoyed it enough considering country isn’t a favourite genre for me.
Country is no my style but this was quite enjoyable! At the very least authentic and well crafted
some songs are sweet but still not a country fan
Absolutely devastating lyrics
Its the best of what it is Unfortunately I dont like what it is at all The songs are okay and to be fair the songs sound different from one another. But its far too long. I wouldn't listen out of pleasure
Nice and chill
ну как то вяленько
Man, I'm blown away by how much I enjoyed this album. I'm not a huge fan of the genre (Americana/Singer Songwriter/Country-ish) but the lyrics and the simplicity of it all really resonate. The songs all feel very personal and the stories told still hold true in 2025. Well done and I'll have to come back to this one for sure.
John Prine was an American treasure and a great songwriter. I get how someone might not love a whole album of folk music, but this isn't "Johnny Cracked Corn". These are American stories, what John Prine was best at telling. Particularly amused by "Illegal Smile" and moved by "Sam Stone".
Interesting little album.
This is what this list is all about. Never heard of John Prine, and probably never would have, as it's not my go to genre, but BOY oh BOY, I loved this. First play it was a 4, with a couple of lyrics jumping out at me. Second play and I'm hooked. Hello in there ...wow Country Folk Poetry I'm off to listen to more
bob dylan type voice but a more country/folk type lyrics and sound. 6/10
I don’t hate it but it is definitely very twangy and not what I’d usually listen to but it’s also kind of a vibe It’s also 11:36pm and struggling to get through country songs - But not horrrrrible but not rly my thing
Forgot how profound he is
real enjoyment.
Peaches and Jesus. Good God, how is this person considered to be among the best song writers? "God bless this chicken", nope God bless me for actually making it through this POS. The longer I listened, the more I wanted to make it stop. I get why he is here, many artists have cited him as an influence and great song writer, but a great song has to be accompanied by at least somewhat interesting instrumentation to be great music. This isn't that. The lyrics were often pretty cheesy. No joy here for me. I'm about 60 albums in and this is going to be my first bomb. I really didn't need to hear before I die. It did make me want to die though. A painful listen.
"when i first heard John Prine... it was on a PBS special... and at first, i thought he was country... then, i started to hear Bob Dylan... or, like Bob Dylan, but different... this was GREAT SONGWRITING... it was simple... and memorable... with all kinds of soul and heart... and compassion... and humor... "Illegal Smile" opens up the record... a great song about drug use.. "Spanish Pipedream" is just as great but in a humorous style... then comes two of the saddest, best songs in RnR history "Hello In There" and "Sam Stone"... "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore" is another humorous gem... the glorious "Angel From Montgomery"... and another really sad one, "Donald and Lydia"... every track is unique, and beautiful in its own way... FIVE STARS... for the debut of one of the greatest songwriters in American History...
A real surprise. I have always heard the name and Clay Pigeons but only first time I've sat with an album. Loved it. 4.5 for sure. Every song is a story that means your full attention
Don’t really usually like country but this was a cool listen, really good lyrics and nice vocals. 4 stars
Good old John — a lot of sweet lovely songs that can be sad at the same time. A distinctive vocal style that is all his own and very pleasing. A fine debut. Heartily recommend Prime Prime, a greatest hits album from 1976, with 4 tracks from this album.
I really like “Angel from Montgomery.” I’ve never clicked with “Sam Stone,” despite any number of people who call it a classic.
Sort of a softer Bob Dylan with less edgy lyrics (and perhaps a less grating voice).
Not my favorite genre, but the songwriting and lyrics were great. Probably a 3.5 out of 5, just not quite enough for a 4.
- why do i relate this much to a old man in the 70s - nostaglia, religion, war - cute kind of love - descriptive lyricism
Great words, but it's fairly boring musically. Pretty Good is jarringly modern sounding; voice reminds me The Mountain Goats. Cool to hear a rock guitar solo after all the country. Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore - The words to this are particularly great. Angel from Montgomery - cool timings in this. Donald and Lydia - Bob Dylan was right; this IS a really cool concept for the time.
Fierce dreary - 4 stars for me, 5 for my dad!
8/10
Not sure why I’m so late to the game on this guy, but his songwriting really pulled me in.
Very good album!
I did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did. I'm not a big fan of country music, but once I got over the twang, I started to really enjoy the album's mellow and peaceful vibe. The standout element of this album is the lyrics. Every song told a story, sent a message, or criticized something in a creative and cheeky way. fav tracks: "Illegal Smile", "Spanish Pipedream", "Hello In There", "Paradise", "Quiet Man" 4/5
Great songwriter, but who pissed in his cheerios? All of the songs are downers.
good ole boy music
Not generally my taste, but really well made. I enjoyed the lyrics especially.
One of my favorite albums of all time. This one is just fantastic.
We used to be a proper country, with proper country music.
Bullsh*t
I think my open-mindedness is wearing thin. I don’t doubt this is a good album for people who like country, and the lyrics are indeed sharp, but it’s just not for me
A very surprising new favorite
Initially this felt comforting and warm, almost familir and easy to listen to..but then after the 4th track I was done - it was all starting to blend tg and became mediocre.
I’d heard of John Prine but had never listened to an album let alone could name a song of his. I came away from this album with a legit respect. His songwriting is rootsy & intimate. Had I not followed along reading the lyrics I would not have appreciated this as much. Driving through the back roads of rural Pennsylvania while listening to this was a treat. After the first two tracks I thought I was going to hate this. I initially.thought how could this twangy hick music be appealing? I went back and listened to some of these tracks more than once and the more I listened the more it grew on me. Highlights are Hello In There, Sam Stone, Paradise, Pretty Good, and my favorite track is Angel from Montgomery, followed by Quiet Man. Bonnie Raitt & Susan Tedeschi each deliver stunning covers of Angel and take it to another level. His songwriting clearly influenced some of the greats.
The lyrics are unexpected and welcome! Feels Dylan-ish. My favorite is “Your Flag Decal Won’t get You into Heaven Anymore.” There are some special moments on this album.
Observer of human foibles. A natural story teller. And the closest of the "next Dylans* to actually achieve that mantle. It's the piercing humor and the utter humanity of these stories that sets him apart. As well as his embrace of the slightly offbeat. What this man does with three chords and some funny asides is nothing short of magical. A true American original.
Country, 22eme album => 1/5
Always great
I like country music, but with a few exceptions, not sung by male vocalists. Instead I prefer the female vocalists. I just don't like the affected tone of the male country voice. I just might add John Prine to the small list of exceptions. Lyrically this is excellent, and the songs hold your attention from the first track to the last, as each tells its story. Musically, the songs are engaging too. Four stars. Would I listen to this album again? Yes. Would I buy this album? Yes. Side one 1. "Illegal Smile" – 3:10 - What an excellent opener to an album and a great song title too. - 5 Stars. 2. "Spanish Pipedream" – 2:37 - 4 Stars. 3. "Hello In There" – 4:29 - 4 Stars. 4. "Sam Stone" – 4:14 - "With a Purple heart and a monkey on his back". This is a briilliant, tragic, sad song. - 5 Stars. 5. "Paradise" – 3:10 - 4 Stars. 6. "Pretty Good" – 3:36 - This is a superb song. The dry humour in conjunction with the stark subject matter. - 5 Stars. Side two 1. "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore" – 2:51 - My word this is so relevant today. - 5 Stars. 2. "Far from Me" – 3:38 - 4 Stars. 3. "Angel from Montgomery" – 3:43 - 4 Stars. 4. "Quiet Man" – 2:50 - 4 Stars. 5. "Donald and Lydia" – 4:27 - The coda to this song is beautiful. - 4 Stars. 6. "Six O'Clock News" – 2:49 - 4 Stars. 7. "Flashback Blues" – 2:33 - A little honky tonk. - 4 Stars. Total - 56 Average - 4.31
I really like the anti-war sentiment and the lyrics in general, but musically a bit samey. 'Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore' and 'Angel from Montgomery" are the highlights for me.
Yeah, country music just ain't for me. Really dull and repetitive. 4/10 fav songs : Spanish Pipedream
This was OK but I couldn't get into it. One of America's Next Dylans? No.
5 star lyrics (Sam Stone!). I kind of liked Paradise (fiddles) , Pretty Good (blues). It was good to be exposed to this artist, but country music makes me impatient for it to end.
Interesting lyrics, but not a fan of the style.
Just not a big country fan...doesn't resonate with me at all.
John Prine always felt like someone else’s artist. I didn’t know him growing up, And when you hear a name enough times as if I should have known him (and he should already be a favorite), it kind of feels like - welp, I missed that boat so why even try? Well I’m glad I finally was forced to listen. This is great. Super approachable, common man storytelling, Nice picking, nice slide - just comfortable music to really listen to or have in the background. 4.5.
I am being generous with a 3. The Dylan comparison is overstated as he is no Bob, nowhere near the same league.
His words are pointless
Ugh. Another Dylan. Literally the exact same shtick as ole Bob. Bleh
this was very comparable to listening to a Dylan album. his voice was marginally less annoying, so 1/2 star better for him. 2.5 stars
This guy’s pretty funny. I wish this didn’t wash over me :(
Marvellous songs, full of the detail and grit of real people and their sufferation
This album sounds like a snapshot of Americana in 1971. Enjoyable, more so than I was expecting to, but it's hard to get past John Prine's voice, which sounds suspiciously similar to Bob Dylan.
You know when you're sitting on a chair and you lean back so you're just on two legs and you lean too far so you almost fall over but at the last second you catch yourself? That's John Prine nearly going into full Bob Dylan voice ALL THE TIME. This is way better than anything I have been forced to listen to from Bob Dylan on this list. It's still not something I would listen to again on purpose, but it wasn't that bad.
Prine manages to tackle post Vietnam opioid addiction, environmental protection, faux patriotism, TV’s evils, marijuana legalization, and everyday life - all with a wry salt-of-the-earth grin. Like only he can. Truly a master of his art, which is also singular. All hail John Prine!
Fun, for country. I had an ok time.
I don’t like country, but this album is fun. It doesn’t take itself seriously and goes for entertainment factor with its whimsical lyrics, which I like. It’s also not as slow and doesn’t go for constant prolonged notes like country tends to do. This style of instrumentation and vocals is still not my thing, because I prefer the music to be more complex and/or energetic, but this album was pretty fun. 7/10
Bogte kakav songwriting
This sounds just like Bob Dylan would if he didn't suck quite so bad. "Pretty Good" is an out-and-out banger. He's trying a little bit too hard with the album cover, though.
A sweet and quietly powerful debut. I hadn’t known about this unique charmer before. There’s a simplicity to his style—so understated it might be easy to overlook—but that’s part of the charm. It feels perfectly imperfect, much like the songs and the subject themselves. Minimal and honest, the album delivers lyrics that are deeply human—full of vulnerability, humor, and simply shared truths. There’s something affecting in how he weaves together brokenness and wit, all in a folky, country-tinged package. I was surprised by how much I connected to music I wouldn’t typically gravitate toward. John Prine has a way of pulling you in with his lyrics. Some lines that stood out: • “Your light is the sweetest thing.” • “Your flag decal won’t get you into heaven anymore.” • “Beauty and silence both run deep.” • “…dreaming just comes natural… like the love hidden deep in your heart.” It would have been a treasure to witness him live—there’s an intimacy in his songs that must have felt even more special in person.
John Prine makes the kind of country/folk music I like. Authentic, honest, simple, and great storytelling. Everything on this record is delivered real easy-like, and some of it with a wink, all of which might belie the depth in the themes he explores. Playing around with language that toes the line between playful and profound seems to be his schtick; but he's so damn good at it, I have to respect it as so much more than simple wordplay. A stunning lyrical classic like "Sam Stone" is the stuff of legends. "Paradise" and "Angel From Montgomery" are also big standouts here, but "Pretty Good" is unimpeachably my favorite. The lyrics are kinda silly, but Prine finds a way to make them work and sound so earnest. It's a like a honky-tonk version of "Is That All There Is?" Finally, "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore" is still relevant, 55 years later; only instead of referring to Vietnam, I dedicate it to all the Christofascist conservatives and spineless neoliberals play-fighting while the world burns. Fucking motherfuckers.
‘Paradise’ was the stand out for me with the bluegrass twang. Those elongated vowels reminiscent of Bob at times. Inoffensive after one complete listen.
Fucking awful
I have one simple question - who the heck is John Prine?!? Lyrically, this album it's interesting - great storytelling in that usual country style, and John has a wonderful turn of phrase. Whislt not an exceptional singer (he sounds like an in-tune Bob Dylan), the song-writing is great. Wonderful country guitar playing, every song was simple but pretty. Like a few of the albums given to me on this generator, it's very background music for me. Good background music, let's not insult the quality of the song-writing and musicianship, but hard for me to lock into and give my full attention as nothing drew me in. I can imagine him sat in the corner of a nice country pub playing simple background music whilst I have a nice cold pint. I can't give it more than a 3 as it was... an average listening experience for me. Nothing blew me away (could be a sign of the times) but I wasn't offended or bored.
I was somewhat hopeful for this after reading some positive reviews. I know there's good lyrical content in there, but it still sits within the framework of standard, "well shucks" country. All the hallmarks of country music, with the twangy guitars, and especially his drawling, country twang of a voice. I'm not a fan.
A bit like a folksy John Denver. Words a bit cheesy. Guitar playing can be intricate and deceptively simple.
Country Folk like Dylan, great tunes, lyrics
not my thing
Fun and easy-listening country/folksy twang that has a very friendly and warm tone. Entertaining and heartfelt stories with a lot to enjoy and relate to. Top tracks: Sam Stone, Paradise, Six O'Clock News
I wept
Good country album, good themes, simple music good voice.
A legend.
Very Bob Dylanesk except he he does a good job with music and singing. Great song writing.
Fucking love me some John Prine
Ah fuck... Weer een stokoud country album en weer kom ik er achter dat country me gewoon niet zo raakt. Ik weet het niet, de teksten zijn soms best wel sterk. Maar uiteindelijk voelt het voor mij gewoon allemaal als een soort van parodie op 'normale' country? Het ontzettend dikke accent, de minimale instrumenten en het gehuil om JEZUUSSSSS. Ik kan er niet zo veel mee. Een nummer als Sam Stone is best wel mooi. De teksten daar zijn ontzettend sterk, er word een heel beeld en een hele wereld geschetst, maar mijn god wat moet ik werken om door het accent heen te komen en echt te luisteren naar wat John probeert te zeggen. Nee, country en ik gaan geen vrienden worden, zelfs de teksten van John kunnen dat niet veranderen. Het probleem blijft voor mij in de specifieke manier van zingen, de barebones instrumentals en het ontzettend dikke accent dat elke country zanger heeft. Vast prima muziek, maar gewoon echt niet voor mij. FAVO: Flashback Blues, Sam Stone
John fucking Prine. This record is not a greatest hits collection; it just feels that way. Almost every song on this record is a pure classic: he's funny, he's incisive, he tells stories, he is sad as hell. Seriously, this is better songwriting than 99% of anybody. And I used to feel like Prine was overproduced, but this is gorgeously done. Crushingly good. An American treasure.
Been talking about summer camp experiences this past week. This hit just right in timing. I am fairly sure we sang most of these at camp including "illegal smile" (episcopal church camp). While the song writing is classic, I cannot give 5 stars for production.
Automatic 5 for “Angel From Montgomery” but would have earned it even without.
Lots of classics here. Enjoyable, but I wasn’t riveted. (Shh, don’t tell Mike.)
Enjoyable lyrics but I CAN'T STAND the backing music. Bad country.
Pretty Good and Illegal Smile are two of my favorite old folk/country songs. Much rather listen to Prine than Dylan.
Laid back and kinda funny in places. An easy listen.
Thanks sarcastic country man for reminding me that our problems aren't new, just often worse
I wrote out a big review cuz I was so blown away by this but then had to restart my phone and it didn’t save. The long and short of was don’t be fooled by that terrible album cover, or turned away by the country twang. Just really give it a listen and think about things today.
Pretty fun album to listen to. Great opening track. Great stories told through melodies.
Okay, for a country album.
Surprisingly this was the first time I've ever listened to John Prine album or song, but I loved it. The music was ok, and his vocals a little nasally and rough, but he had a lot to say. I ended up listening to John Prine stuff after this album ended for the a couple of hours.
Folk and country, still not my jam. However, this was at least more upbeat and had some funny lyrics thrown in. Although some of the rhymes really felt forced at times.
He's a good lyricist although I wouldn't say all these songs resonated with me fully. Some good, some a bit boring, so 3* seems fair. I'm not really into country but this was better than some of the others from that genre on this list
A classic debut album from one of the all time American greats. A delight to listen to this morning and an easy 5 stars.
A little hokey, a little honky — pretty fun
Listened Before? N Amazing! Humor mixed with social commentary and protest songs. I loved this. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore
poignant classic
I think if I came into this album with no extra knowledge about it, knowing nothing but this guy's name, I probably still would have liked it. I mean, it's country music, y'know? Sure, yeah, it's a bit folksier than usual, but there's still a pedal steel guitar hangin' around. Just on a sound and aesthetic level, I would've given it a thumbs up. But I ended up reading a quote on the album's Wikipedia page from Bob Dylan, where he said that John Prine was one of his favorite writers. And I'm thinking, "Oh, yeah? He **is** now, is he? Well, just allow me, someone who can barely pay attention to or understand lyrics, be the judge of that!" Like, if he's so good that Dylan is singing his praise, and y'also got Kris Kristofferson saying that he writes like he has 220 years of experience... Well, **is** he **that good**? Yeah, I'd say so. Off the top, I feel like I'd wanna call this guy the "country Bob Dylan." After all, he's certainly got the voice for it, and I don't think his topics are too far off from what Dylan would sing about. But then, here's the big difference between the two of them, and why I honestly like this guy's album a lot more than any Dylan I've heard: I can understand the lyrics. Which, I know, I've gone on before about how I worry about seeming unintelligent or shallow about not getting Dylan's big, important, scholarly poetry — but dammit, like with Tracy Chapman, sometimes it's just nice to get what the words are saying. And while Prine isn't as direct as Chapman; he's still pretty poetic, I can actually get into what he's saying and feeling the words. And I suppose part of that comes from Prine being way more of a country artist than a folk singer-songwriter. The folk singer-songwriter types, they wanna be **deep, man**, so they're often a little obtuse in what they're actually trying to say. Meanwhile, with country — well, at least this older kind of country music, it's all about stories, so on a level they can't be too unclear. And, well, also, as someone who loves a bit of story in their music... So, yeah, y'know, these are just good stories. Great stories, even, that really touch on something. Like, if he's missing the pure poetics of folk singer-songwriters, then for sure, he's still got the sound like what he's singing about is very important. And heck, some of it is even still relevant to this day — I can't begin to think of how many people I think should hear "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven". Jus',goodness. I never woulda guessed how much I would end up liking this album, but damn, does John Prine have a way with words. Put them over some good pedal steel and fiddle, and, damn, if this ain't a real winner and a half. Just makes it all the sadder to find out that he passed away only five years ago, from complications thanks to gawdamm COVID-19. It's clear just from this alone how much of a talent he was, and, dang it, even at 73 he was taken away far too soon. Hope you had a good time when you got to Heaven, Prine.
Good country. A bit softer compared to other country my group has gotten, but its nice nonetheless. Solid 4 Stars.
That’s an easy 5. Color me impressed; I’ve never heard of John Prine until today, but his songwriting chops evoked an immediate level of nostalgia that I didn’t really know I had in me. This is country music, and it’s the slice-of-life old school country I love to preach about whenever it comes up, but this has the added benefit of being beautifully & vividly written. When he’s trying to nail down some comedy, he certainly can, like on “Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore”, but he can just as easily switch it on a dime to evoke a deep sense of sobering reality, as on tracks like “Sam Stone”. This album tackles everything from the power of nostalgia, to the consequences of reminiscing, to the blind loyalty present in jingoism & patriotism, and perhaps most effectively, the fear of the mundane. Of course, the songwriting wouldn’t mean anything if he didn’t have the vocals or instrumentals to back it up, but thankfully, he does – my brain immediately goes to the comparison of “Willie Nelson’s twang with a Bob Dylan rhythm”, and it’s a lovely blend that evokes both of them really nicely. Instrumentally, while this leans mostly into the acoustic side of things, there’s a lot of steel guitar, fiddle work, and even a great electric guitar solo on “Pretty Good”. Nothing ever overshadows each other, with the instrumentals and vocals giving themselves space to breathe, and the lyricism still shining through with the way the vocals are just slightly elevated in the mix. As far as listening to this album goes, even if you somehow manage to ignore the lyrics, it’s just 44 really smooth minutes that never find a dull spot. However, doing that would sell both this album & yourself incredibly short. As an entire package, this just fits right in line with my sensibilities. It’s just an album that feels full of life, with a living, breathing soul to it that feels lost nowadays. Rolling Stone once called John Prine the “Mark Twain of American songwriting”, and I’m honestly inclined to believe them after just 13 tracks. If nothing else, as a debut album, this comes out swinging & never really slows down, and you can’t ask for a better beginning than that. I hope he’s got more on the list, but even if he doesn’t, I feel like I need to listen to more of him. For my tastes, it’s an easy, easy 5.
"Sam Stone" is probably one of the most depressing songs I ever heard. Prine's vocal approach seems to be where Bruce Springsteen is going. Not that that's a terrible thing, but it makes sense considering the songs on this album seem to be similar to a lot of Bruce's sentiment in a number of songs. "Your Flag Deal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore" really hits on the nose from then and even now, doesn't it. "Angel From Montgomery" was a very pretty song, I enjoyed it. In fact, I liked most of Prine's work here, even with a bit of the country twang that's in most of the songs. I don't know if I would listen to it on a regular basis, but I enjoyed it. Top songs: "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore," "Angel From Montgomery," "Far From Me," "Six O'Clock News"
John Prine is as clever as there is a writer, both funny and despairing. I can see why he's so revered by the other great singer songwriters (Dylan, Kristofferson, Cash, Baez). But he cannot sing. He's a step above Dylan and Waits but then who isn't? I also didn't always love his musical compositions, tempo, or timing. I didn't dislike many (any?) of his songs but the ones I enjoyed the most tended to be because of the lyrics - Illegal Smile (funny, with an ending that reminded me of Dylan's Talkin World War III Blues), Hello In There (my favorite, so somber, so human), Sam Stone (very clever), Paradise (this one I like for it's rhythm, it's an easy sounding folk song), Pretty Good (witty, especially verse 2), Your Flag Decal Won't Get You into Heaven Anymore (great anti-war angle), and Angel From Montgomery (another one where the music speaks to me). Maybe like Waits, there's more Prine albums to come and I'll learn to love him. But after a few listens I couldn't quite get to 3.5 where I might round up.
Basic country songs with a country twang and shades of Dylan (at least nice to hear that Dylan was a Prine fan). The lyrics are powerful which is why I can appreciate his reputation as a great songwriter, but basic country just isn't my thing. Favorite tracks: Hello in There, Paradise, Quiet Man.
This is one of those albums that requires active listening, as the witty lyrics are far and away the best part. Or you could just read the lyrics on Genius, that works too. The country-folk sound isn't my favorite, but the poetry! Man oh man. Four stars just for that.
As an eternal shuffler I hadn't thought about the track list on this album and thought 'oh cool John Prine's debut, solid 4 stars probably'. Illegal Smile, Hello In There, Sam Stone, Pretty Good all songs that could individually push an album up to 5 star range. An album with Angel From Montgomery is a 5 star album. Lots that is both unflinching & nonjudgmental. My only complaint about John Prine's first albums is that I like some of the solo recordings from a BBC broadcast from London in 1973 even more. I once thought there was way too much instrumentation on the albums - why take a force of nature performer and run it through the 1970s big budget folk album process? but they didn't ruin anything. It's 2025 now and we get to have all kinds of versions. 5 frickin stars. music: appreciated. (⌐■_■)
I guess I would call myself a John Prine skeptic. But maybe I’m wrong. Probably. This was really great.
Not familiar with Prine at all. So this was a pleasant surprise, this is a really strong album. Lyrically it elevates the album so much you don't even mind you're listening to country. Highly recommended.
Ihan fine. Ei sykähdyttänyt mutta kuuntelisin kyllä uudestaan.
Country is not my favorite genre but it was chill and some songs I did enjoy. I like Angel from Montgomery.
This is a songwriting clinic! The music seems simple, but it has lots of unexpected twists. Prine is an amazing storyteller, and some of his lyrics are quite provocative for the time. I thought that bit about "there's a hole in my arm where all my money goes." was written decades later by Spiritualized' Jason Pierce! Liked Songs Added: Illegal Smile Angel From Montgomery
A unique voice and perspective. I think he got better with age. 3/5
Perfect songwriting across the board. Nobody did it like John. 5/5
Some beautiful songs. Listened to this while walking around brooklyn.
I know people love him but I don't really resonate with his music
Ga meg lite
John Prine tackles war, government, jingoism, aging, drugs, depression, relationships, the environment and a host of other topics with perceptive and unflinching observations of humans and humanity. The organ warms itself against the stark lyrics. The guitars wander from folk to country with occasional touches of rock to elevate the stories. Every song on this album is a gem. Experiencing them together as an album is a powerful and emotional experience. This is an album that will connect you more deeply to your humanity if you are willing to listen. An amazing work of art that I will listen to again and again. RIP John Prine
A good example of the genre but not a good example of something I like.
Great lyrics and melodies Standout songs: Illegal Smile Hello in There Quiet Man
An album I have listened to only once prior. Like Paul Simon, the diction in the lyrics conveys a ton of information without getting in the way. Beautiful music with an honorable sentiment.
first listen like this a lot
I didn't get into Mr. Prine unfortunately until after his death. Every musician and songwriter I love had nothing but incredible things to say about him - so naturally I had to dive in. If I listened to him 10 years ago I would've said no thanks. I'm glad i've grown and my tastes have changed - because lyrically it's as great as they come. And they're so simple and never try too hard. "Bowl of oatmeal tried to stare me down and won, and it was twelve o'clock before I realized That i was havin, no fun". Just disregarding all syllable rules and instincts a lot of songwriters follow. It just seems so easy(it's not). RIP Mr Prine. Thanks for aspiring everyone I love.
The lyrics are sometimes funny and sweet and poignant too, not a country fan at all but this is just alright, maybe 3 stars.
Not my thing, but the songwriting is definitely very strong. Songwriting is a 4, but the style is a 2, so I'll split the difference and go with 3 stars.
Solid Country music in Singer-Songwriter style
Nicely done songs.
Great song writing. Not a huge fan of his voice.
"Quiet Man" has good absurdist lyrics. Overall, though, this is pretty standard-issue.
Silly sounding songs With serious artistry And complex critiques
A collection of sappy Americana. It was fine but really not for me.
I thought this was great. Country music with thoughtful “make love not war” lyrics. I was surprised it came out in the seventies rather than the sixties but 1971 is only just over the decade divide, I guess.
Some funny lyrics…
Not bad, very country.
Banger after banger. RIP to one of the best to ever do it
На фон странным жарким вечером - окэй. Лучшая песня - Hello in There.
Not my thing
No no no. His voice is terrible. Like a sheep.
so country style ned so gfühlt
This was the first time I’d ever listened to John Prine although I realized that I was already familiar with a few of his songs which had been covered by other people. His voice is, well, not great, but it’s endearing and his songs were so fun to listen to, because they told stories and so you had to listen to the whole thing to see what happened. I liked that. And Bob Dylan’s voice is absolute poop and people still like him, because of his songwriting ability. So why the heck not John Prine?
Wonderful!
This is a great album. The only thing is it doesn’t include my current favorite song of all time which is "Lake Marie" on "Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings". Nevertheless, this has Hello in There, Sam Stone and Angel from Montgomery and so many others. 4.53
I wasn't keen on his singing voice so wanted to give 3 but I do think the lyrics deserve another listen and that would probably lead to a higher score. So I give 4.
An outstanding album. Quite possibly the best I have heard so far. There are no filler tracks here. Each song exquisitely crafted and beautifully sung.
very relaxing and at the same time induces thinking
Country isn’t my preferred genre
Pure Poetic Story Telling with a twang and a steel guitar!
The damn hay bales on the cover make people think this is a country album, but if it had been a collection of short stories, it would have won the Pulitzer.
Highlights: Hello In There, Pretty Good. In a nutshell: the Dylan of country folk? Great lyrics. Bleak, witty, comically dark, real. The songs have a cliched country music composition (steel guitar, standard chords on an acoustic guitar, fiddle), but as much as that type of music annoys me, it makes the lyrics stand out more. Prine said that he didn't see himself as a protest singer or political lyricist. He just wrote and sang about what he saw around him. I think there is a place for this album on the list amongst country/folk stalwarts Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. Overall: 6/10
First album where I don’t even recognize the artist! We got a proper country boy here—I do like the typeface up top and how tiny it is, but otherwise I’d probably write this album off as not my thing at a record shop. 1 well that’s what my biases get me man, this is really great! Really charming, human folk that’s legit funny to boot— “A bowl of oatmeal stared me down / and won,” and “I called a rainbow down a one-way street / dead-end” are Mitch Hedberg esque one liners that both got an irl chuckle, and I just love the whole idea of Americana defending weed! Well paced song, I like how the chorus slows down a touch, seems to invite you to sing along. I like the instrumental generally, it’s impressively catchy given how forward the vocals are, good balance without taking the spotlight from the lyrics. I think there’s a bit of a drone or something in the third verse to accompany the more paranoid sobering thoughts, which I love, before silliness is reestablished by the totally nonsensical collection of non sequiturs that of the outro. Fantastic first impression. 2 Yo, based proto-anarchical Christian love song, erm, yes please! Okok 2/2 man this is great too, great story telling and cute as hell and I like how he says peaches and “For I knew the topless lady / had something up her sleeve” is goddamned hilarious (especially since she’s dancing the hoochie-coo lmao) and it’s all just likeable! Instrumental is fine, not quite as catchy as the first track but perfectly serviceable. Good! 3 The first two notes on the guitar are the exact same as the very first two notes of track one, probably not great for the variety of the album if we’re already repeating keys. I do like the electric guitar tone and keys on this though, so still a good sound. A bit more homey, folksy Americana on this, little less jokey— well done, though, just different. I like how the bass comes in on the chorus, really gives depth and heft. Lyrics are a bit less memorable, but still pleasant. I like all the names he uses. Ah, he gets a little quirky at the end— “a hollow ancient ass” sure is a silly way to address old people. Word to old people! 4 Keys on this have a bit of a steel guitar sound. Like the acoustic guitar panned to the right. Yo I know this song!!! I know a cover of it, but I can’t remember who, one sec. Okok I think I’ve heard the Johnny cash version. The line “There’s a hole in daddy’s money where the money goes / Jesus Christ died for nothing I suppose” is just an incredible line, and I’m bummed that cash took the latter half of that line out, kinda cheap. Strong, powerful song. Something like sitar at the end? Or a mandolin with heavy effects? Really cool. Oh, or I’ve heard it on Spiritualized’s song “Cop Shoot Cop?” Yeah wait it’s totally that, cos I remember the “hole in my head” line that follows. Cool interpolation. Anyways, fave of this album so far. Sad as fuck. Great. 5 Critique on the development over American nature, very progressive and dope. Folk and country often used to be on the forefront of what we see now as liberal thought, funny enough. Good song, even if the instrumental is not too unique— my heart breaks a little every time he says “coal train.” 6 Again, speaking to violence and the assault of women, not to mention religious unity, in a super modern way while still making a banger. Love the electric guitar fuzz, love how hard the rhythm guitar and drums are panned— kinda Blue Note. Third verse is particularly catchy, word to Allah and the Buddha at the last supper, funny but also poignant. 7 “I was digesting reader’s digest” is immediately funny, but the lyrics throughout balance wit and social critique perfectly. True cowpokes are anti war!! God man there is just not a bad song on here. 8 Huh well right after I say that, this didn’t hit like the rest of this album did. There’s a bit more nuance and observation than the average pining for a love song, and I like the glockenspiel bits and the hard panning, but something’s off. The pacing of the verse is kinda weird, or maybe it’s just a meter thing? But yeah, not quite as excellent as the rest of the record so far. 9 Hm okay meter of the verse on this one is weird again, don’t know what the drummer is doing— kinda hard to feel the picket outside of just up-beats. Lyrics are the most banal that they’ve been, I don’t care about an “old rodeo” as much as I care about the other specificities elsewhere on the album, and the use of fem pronouns is cool— probably a cover? Dope he didn’t change the words if it is, even doper if that’s just a choice he made. Still catchy enough, nice and bluesy. Just feel like we’re losing a bit of steam here. 10 See here we go, love the personification of the week days as time and information washing over the everyday, super creative. Very Bob Dylan for sure. New choice to repeat a couple lines towards the end, they’re not his best but certainly good. Liked it! 11 The steel guitar is kinda wearing on me, because it just sounds the same every time. Wish it was used a bit more sparingly so it could maintain its potency. I like the lyrics, very simple poetry in a cute way. Dreamy and kinda surreal, almost like psychedelic Americana? Prine really does have that thing that truly great vocalists have where he just says words and they sound special— “First breath from a baby” as an example. Really really liked the outro, wish that melody was used elsewhere, or otherwise just foreshadowed 12 Love the electric guitar tone. This really showcases the mixing of this album, everything is so forward and yet all sounds so good and balanced. Listen to that bass man, wow! Love that he sings about changing diapers, just something super humble and cute about it. Oh god sad sad lyrical turn in the third verse. Damn, really recontextualizes the whole thing. Lovely losing about being grateful for the small parts of a domestic life. 13 Whoa, jaunty closer! Wouldn’t have guessed that, thought we were kinda winding down— fiddle? Woo! Fun! I’m square dancing yeehaw, lil ragtime piano? Best guitar solo on the album! Damn dude great stuff just a really catchy fun song. Really really good record overall!.
Ктоа
Just getting worn out on albums that are ‘ok’ at best