John Prine’s Top Ten Best Songs of All Time
serial number |
John Prine’s best songs ever |
Year |
|
1 |
end of summer |
2018 |
|
2 |
lake mary |
the year 1995 |
|
3 |
Sam Stone |
1971 |
|
4 |
some people are not human |
2005 |
|
5 |
despite ourselves |
Year 1999 |
|
6 |
everything is cool |
Year 2009 |
|
7 |
angel from montgomery |
1971 |
|
8 |
emotional abuse |
2016 |
|
9 |
illegal smile |
1971 |
|
10 |
you never called my name |
1975 |
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John Prine’s best songs ever
Discover John Prine’s timeless artistry through his greatest musical creations. From poignant storytelling to clever puns and timeless melodies, John Prine’s best songs ever showcase the genius of a songwriter who touched hearts and inspired generations. Join us on a journey to hear soulful and thought-provoking tunes that have left an indelible mark on the worlds of folk and American music.
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1. Summer’s End(2018)
“Summer’s End” is a poignant and thought-provoking song from John Prine’s 2018 album “The Tree of Forgiveness”. This song is a prime example of Prine’s lyrical storytelling abilities. In this song, Prine deftly interweaves melancholy and hope, capturing the essence of a beloved season coming to an end. The lyrics are a testament to Prine’s ability to create vivid images and evoke deep emotions in the listener.
Lines like “The moon and the stars chatting in the bar” and “Summer is coming sooner than we think” showcase his gift for blending melancholic nostalgia with enduring optimism. The song’s chorus calls listeners to “come home” and assures “you don’t have to be alone,” delivering a powerful message of comfort and connection. “Summer’s End” is accompanied by a heartfelt music video about the opioid crisis, showcasing Prine’s lasting influence as a songwriter who can address important social issues while touching the hearts of listeners.
2. Lake Mary (1995)
“Lake Marie” is a standout track from John Prine’s 1995 album Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings. The song is a testament to Prine’s storytelling skills, taking the listener on an intricate journey through a series of events involving an abandoned baby, a broken marriage, and even a double homicide. What makes “Lake Mary” particularly compelling is the stark contrast between its upbeat music and the dark themes of its lyrics.
The message Prine leaves behind is enough to spark the imagination of the listener, inviting them to piece together a story with multiple layers and interpretations. Bob Dylan himself listed Prine’s “Lake Mary” as his favorite song, which shows its artistic significance and depth.This is a prime example of Prine’s ability to write songs that are not only musically compelling but also intellectually stimulating, leaving room for contemplation and discussion
3. Sam Stone (1971)
“Sam Stone” is a powerful and emotional song from John Prine’s 1971 debut album of the same name. It showcases Prine’s early ability to handle complex and sensitive topics with grace and poignancy. The song chronicles a veteran’s struggle to readjust to life after experiencing physical, mental and emotional trauma during his service, ultimately turning to drugs as a means of coping.
Prine’s storytelling in “Sam Stone” is outstanding as he creates vivid imagery that allows the audience to sympathize with the character’s pain and despair. Lines like “Don’t stop to count the years/Sweet songs on bad radios never last long” touch on the theme of the passage of time and the fading of everything in a way that’s both fresh and touching. “Sam Stone” forever proved Prine’s ability to capture the human condition in music, making it an enduring staple of his discography.
4. Some people are not human (2005)
“Some Humans Ain’t Human” is a standout track from John Prine’s 2005 album Fair & Square. Known for blending humor with profound observations, Prine offers poignant commentary on humanity and society in this song. With his trademark dry humor, Prine vividly paints a picture of a man with a heart made of “a few pieces of frozen pizza” and likens them to “some ice cubes with hair on them.”
The song’s lyrics reflect a sense of cynicism, offering a critical perspective on the world’s imperfections. Notably, Prine used the song to make a political statement, alluding to the George W. Bush presidency and the Iraq War in a less glowing depiction. “Some Humans Ain’t Human” showcases Prine’s ability to address serious topics with humor and is a testament to his songwriting abilities.
5. In spite of ourselves(1999)
“In Spite of Ourselves” is a charming duet starring John Prine and folk darling Iris DeMent. The song is a highlight from Prine’s 1999 album of the same name, showcasing his skill at telling stories through song. The song explores the theme of love lasting despite quirks and imperfections.
Dement speaks affectionately of her partner’s quirks, including panty-sniffing and beer-drinking, emphasizing that even unconventional relationships can thrive. Prine and DeMent’s duet captures the tenacity of love and the essence of accepting each other’s flaws. The song’s warm, light-hearted approach to love makes it a standout in Prine’s discography, showcasing his ability to blend humor and heart in his music.
6. Everything Is Cool (2009)
“Everything Is Cool” is a fun track from John Prine’s 2009 album A John Prine Christmas. While the title may suggest a typical holiday song, Prine’s lyrics take a different approach. The song weaves a narrative about reflection and recovery after a relationship ends, with Prine singing about a new love entering his life and how it makes everything feel “cool” again. He sees his wife, Fiona, as a “black-haired angel” who washes away his sins and makes him feel brand new.
Although the song is included on a Christmas-themed album, it doesn’t follow traditional holiday themes and instead focuses on the reviving power of love. It’s a testament to his songwriting talent that Prine is able to infuse depth and emotion into his songs, even those that may seem unrelated to the festival. “Everything Is Cool” is a unique and heartwarming addition to Prine’s repertoire.
7. Montgomery Angels (1971)
“Angel From Montgomery” is one of John Prine’s most iconic songs, originally appearing on his 1971 debut album of the same name. The song tells the story of a woman trapped in a troubled life and marriage, longing to escape. Prine’s evocative lyrics vividly depict this woman’s desire for something more as she dreams of being saved by an angel.
The song’s emotional depth and melancholy melody made it a beloved classic and has been covered by numerous artists, including Bonnie Raitt, who is particularly famous for her vocals. Prine’s ability to capture the essence of longing and hope in this song demonstrates his extraordinary storytelling abilities and gift for conveying complex emotions through music.
8. Emotional Abuse (2016)
“Mental Cruelty” is a standout track from John Prine’s 2016 album “For Better, or Worse”. The album features duets with several notable female artists, and “Mental Cruelty” is an unforgettable collaboration with Kacey Musgraves. The song showcases Prine’s ability to infuse humor and wit into music.
The lyrics depict humorous, back-and-forth banter between Prine and Musgraves, reflecting a playful but slightly cynical view of love. The song’s clever puns and lively interplay between the two artists make it a delightful addition to Prine’s rich discography.
9. Illegal Smile (1971)
“Illegal Smile” is the opening track from John Prine’s debut album, released in 1971. The song introduces listeners to Prine’s unique style of blending humor and storytelling. The lyrics playfully describe the ability to find humor and joy in life’s challenges, even in the face of adversity. Prine’s witty puns, evident in lines like “A bowl of oatmeal tried to stare at me…and won,” showcase his skill at crafting memorable and relatable verses. “Illegal Smile” proved Prine’s ability to capture life’s simple pleasures in music, making it a beloved and enduring classic.
10. You Never Called My Name (1975)
“You Never Even Called Me By My Name” is a song co-written by Steve Goodman and John Prine, best known as a song recorded by David Allan Coe in 1975. Although not originally sung by Prine, the song’s humor and storytelling are in keeping with Prine’s style. The song humorously lampoons clichés of the country music industry while telling the story of a heartbroken protagonist who experiences various country music tropes in his life.
The song’s self-deprecating and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, paired with a catchy melody, made it a hit and proved Prine’s ability to contribute to the country music community, even through his ability to write songs for other artists. “You Never Called Me By My Name” remains a memorable and entertaining addition to Prine’s musical legacy.
Why are these songs so important to John Prine’s musical legacy?
Songs highlighted in the article, such as “Angel from Montgomery,” “Spiritual Cruelty,” “Illegal Smile” and “You Never Called Me By My Name,” are crucial to John Prine’s musical legacy, Here’s why:
Emotional Depth and Storytelling: John Prine’s ability to convey complex emotions and tell vivid stories through song is a hallmark of his musical legacy. Angels of Montgomery, for example, delves into the life of a woman seeking to escape her troubled marriage. Prine’s storytelling transcends the mundane, creating a deep connection with listeners and showcasing his songwriting prowess.
Genre Diversity: Prine’s songs span a variety of genres, from folk and Americana to country. Mental Cruelty exemplifies his ability to collaborate across genres with Kacey Musgraves, seamlessly blending their unique styles. This variety broadens his appeal and demonstrates his versatility as an artist.
Humor and Wit: John Prine’s songs are often laced with humor and wit, making them relatable and enjoyable. “Illegal Smile” is a prime example, in which he playfully describes the process of finding humor in life’s challenges. This humor adds depth to his music and endears him to his audience with his clever puns.
Impact and reach: Many of Prine’s songs have been widely covered by other artists, proving their enduring appeal. Bonnie Raitt’s cover of “Angel From Montgomery” and David Allan Coe’s recording of “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” became classics in their own right. These covers reflect Prine’s lasting impact on the music industry.
Heritage and Timelessness: John Prine’s songs have stood the test of time, remaining relevant and popular for decades. They continue to resonate with new generations of listeners, cementing his status as a legendary songwriter and ensuring his musical legacy lives on.
These songs are vital to John Prine’s musical legacy because they exemplify his storytelling abilities, versatility across genres, clever humor, and their lasting impact on the music industry and his loyal fan base. They represent the heart and soul of John Prine’s enduring contribution to the world of music.
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