Best John Prine Songs of All Time - Top 10 Timeless Musical Journey
by B Kishwar | Updated Oct 05, 2023
Top 10 Best John Prine Songs of All Time
1
Summer's End
2018
2
Lake Marie
1995
3
Sam Stone
1971
4
Some Humans Ain't Human
2005
5
In Spite of Ourselves
1999
6
Everything Is Cool
2009
7
Angel From Montgomery
1971
8
Mental Cruelty
2016
9
Illegal Smile
1971
10
You Never Even Called Me By My Name
1975
S.No.
Best John Prine Songs of All Time
Year
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Best John Prine Songs of All Time
Explore the timeless artistry of John Prine through his greatest musical creations. From poignant storytelling to clever wordplay and enduring melodies, the Best John Prine Songs of All Time showcase the genius of a songwriter who touched hearts and inspired generations. Join us on a journey through the soulful and thought-provoking tunes that have left an indelible mark on the world of folk and Americana music.
1. Summer's End (2018)
"Summer's End" is a poignant and reflective song from John Prine's 2018 album "The Tree of Forgiveness." The track stands out as a quintessential example of Prine's lyrical storytelling prowess. In this song, Prine masterfully weaves together melancholy and hope, capturing the essence of a well-loved season coming to an end. The lyrics are a testament to Prine's ability to create vivid imagery and evoke deep emotions in his listeners.
Lines like "The moon and stars hang out in bars just talkin'" and "Summer's end came faster than we wanted" showcase his gift for blending melancholic nostalgia with a sense of enduring optimism. The song's chorus, which beckons the listener to "come on home" and reassures that "you don't have to be alone," carries a powerful message of comfort and connection. Accompanied by a heartfelt music video addressing the opioid crisis, "Summer's End" demonstrates Prine's enduring impact as a songwriter who can address important social issues while touching the hearts of his audience.
2. Lake Marie (1995)
"Lake Marie" is a standout track from John Prine's 1995 album "Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings." This song is a testament to Prine's skill in storytelling, as it takes the listener on an intricate journey through a series of events involving abandoned babies, crumbling marriages, and even a double homicide. What makes "Lake Marie" particularly intriguing is the stark contrast between its upbeat music and the dark subject matter of the lyrics.
Prine leaves just enough information to engage the listener's imagination, inviting them to piece together a story with multiple layers and interpretations. Bob Dylan himself has named "Lake Marie" as his favorite song by Prine, which speaks volumes about its artistic significance and depth. It's a prime example of Prine's ability to create 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 emotionally charged song from John Prine's self-titled debut album released in 1971. It showcases Prine's early ability to tackle complex and sensitive topics with grace and poignancy. The song chronicles the struggles of a war veteran as he attempts 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 nothing short of remarkable, as he creates vivid imagery that allows listeners to empathize with the character's pain and despair. Lines like "Don't stop to count the years / Sweet songs never last too long on broken radios" touch upon themes of time's passing and the fading of everything in a way that feels both fresh and moving. "Sam Stone" remains a timeless testament to Prine's ability to capture the human condition in his music, making it an enduring and essential piece of his discography.
4. Some Humans Ain't Human (2005)
"Some Humans Ain't Human" is a standout track from John Prine's 2005 album "Fair & Square." Known for his ability to blend humor and profound observations, Prine delivers a biting commentary on human nature and society in this song. With his trademark dry wit, Prine paints a vivid picture of individuals with hearts made of "a few frozen pizzas" and likens them to "some ice cubes with hair."
The song's lyrics reflect a sense of cynicism, offering a critical perspective on the world's imperfections. Notably, Prine uses this song to make a political statement, alluding to the presidency of George W. Bush and the war in Iraq with a less-than-glowing portrayal. "Some Humans Ain't Human" showcases Prine's ability to use humor to address serious subjects and is a testament to his songwriting prowess.
5. In Spite of Ourselves (1999)
"In Spite of Ourselves" is a charming duet featuring John Prine and folk darling Iris DeMent. The song is a highlight from Prine's 1999 album of the same name and showcases his skill in storytelling through song. The track explores the theme of love enduring despite quirks and imperfections.
DeMent sings about her partner's eccentricities, including panty-sniffing and beer-chugging, with an affectionate tone, highlighting the idea that even unconventional relationships can thrive. Prine's duet with DeMent captures the essence of love's resilience and the acceptance of each other's flaws. The song's warm, lighthearted 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 an intriguing track from John Prine's 2009 record, "A John Prine Christmas." While the title might suggest a typical holiday song, Prine's lyrics take a different approach. The song weaves a narrative of post-relationship reflection and resilience, with Prine singing about a new love entering his life and how it makes everything feel "cool" again. He credits his wife, Fiona, as the "black-haired angel" who has washed away his sins and made him feel like a new person.
Despite its inclusion on a Christmas-themed album, the song doesn't adhere to traditional holiday themes but instead focuses on the rejuvenating power of love. Prine's ability to infuse depth and emotion into his songs, even those that seem unrelated to the holiday season, is a testament to his songwriting talent. "Everything Is Cool" stands as a unique and heartwarming addition to Prine's repertoire.
7. Angel From Montgomery (1971)
"Angel From Montgomery" is one of John Prine's most iconic songs, originally featured on his self-titled debut album in 1971. The song tells the story of a woman trapped in a difficult life and marriage, longing for an escape. Prine's evocative lyrics paint a vivid picture of the woman's yearning for something more, as she dreams of being rescued by an angel.
The song's emotional depth and melancholic melody have made it a beloved classic, and it has been covered by numerous artists, including Bonnie Raitt, whose rendition became particularly famous. Prine's ability to capture the essence of longing and hope in this song showcases his remarkable storytelling prowess and his talent for conveying complex emotions through his music.
8. Mental Cruelty (2016)
"Mental Cruelty" is a standout track from John Prine's 2016 album, "For Better, or Worse." This album features duets with several prominent female artists, and "Mental Cruelty" is a memorable collaboration with Kacey Musgraves. The song showcases Prine's ability to infuse humor and wit into his music.
The lyrics depict a humorous, back-and-forth banter between Prine and Musgraves, reflecting a playful yet slightly cynical take on love. The song's clever wordplay and lively interaction between the two artists make it a delightful addition to Prine's extensive discography.
9. Illegal Smile (1971)
"Illegal Smile" is the opening track from John Prine's debut album released in 1971. This song introduces listeners to Prine's unique blend of 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 wordplay, as evident in lines like "Bowl of oatmeal tried to stare me down … and won," showcases his knack for crafting memorable and relatable verses. "Illegal Smile" is a testament to Prine's ability to capture the simple joys of life in his music, making it a beloved and enduring classic.
10. You Never Even Called Me By My Name (1975)
"You Never Even Called Me By My Name" is a song co-written by Steve Goodman and John Prine and is best known for being recorded by David Allan Coe in 1975. Although not originally sung by Prine, the song's humor and storytelling align with Prine's style. The song humorously satirizes the country music industry's clichés while telling the tale of a heartbroken protagonist who experiences various country music tropes in his life.
The song's self-deprecating and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, combined with a catchy melody, made it a hit and a testament to Prine's ability to contribute to the country music scene, even through his songwriting for other artists. "You Never Even Called Me By My Name" remains a memorable and fun addition to Prine's musical legacy.
Why Are These Songs Essential to John Prine's Musical Legacy?
The songs highlighted in the article, such as "Angel From Montgomery," "Mental Cruelty," "Illegal Smile," and "You Never Even Called Me By My Name," are essential to John Prine's musical legacy for several compelling reasons:
Emotional Depth and Storytelling: John Prine's ability to convey complex emotions and tell vivid stories through his songs is a hallmark of his musical legacy. "Angel From Montgomery," for instance, delves deep into the life of a woman seeking escape from her troubled marriage. Prine's storytelling transcends the ordinary, creating a profound connection with listeners and showcasing his songwriting prowess.
Genre Diversity: Prine's songs span a wide range of genres, from folk and Americana to country. "Mental Cruelty" exemplifies his ability to collaborate across genres, here with Kacey Musgraves, blending their distinct styles seamlessly. This diversity broadens his appeal and showcases his versatility as an artist.
Humor and Wit: John Prine's songs often carry a touch of humor and wit, making them relatable and enjoyable. "Illegal Smile" is a prime example, where he playfully describes finding humor in life's challenges. This humor adds depth to his music and endears him to audiences with its clever wordplay.
Influence and Coverability: Many of Prine's songs have been covered extensively by other artists, attesting to their enduring appeal. "Angel From Montgomery," covered notably by Bonnie Raitt, and "You Never Even Called Me By My Name," recorded by David Allan Coe, became classics in their own right. These covers reflect Prine's enduring impact on the music industry.
Legacy and Timelessness: John Prine's songs have stood the test of time, maintaining their relevance and popularity for decades. They continue to resonate with new generations of listeners, cementing his status as a legendary songwriter and ensuring that his musical legacy endures.
These songs are essential to John Prine's musical legacy because they exemplify his storytelling prowess, genre-spanning versatility, clever humor, and the lasting influence they have had on both the music industry and his devoted fan base. They represent the heart and soul of John Prine's enduring contribution to the world of music.
Best John Prine Songs of All Time - FAQs
"Angel From Montgomery" is a iconic song from John Prine's self-titled debut album in 1971. It's significant for its poignant storytelling and emotional depth, becoming one of Prine's most beloved songs and widely covered by other artists.
"Mental Cruelty" is featured on John Prine's 2016 album, "For Better, or Worse." It's a collaboration with Kacey Musgraves and showcases Prine's playful and witty side in a humorous duet.
"Illegal Smile" is the opening track from John Prine's 1971 debut album. The song playfully conveys the idea of finding joy and humor in life's challenges, even in the face of adversity.
"You Never Even Called Me By My Name" was recorded by David Allan Coe in 1975. Although not originally sung by John Prine, the song humorously satirizes country music clichés and adds a unique touch of humor to the genre.
"Angel From Montgomery" became famous for its emotional depth and storytelling. Bonnie Raitt's iconic cover of the song in 1974 contributed significantly to its popularity, making it one of Prine's best-loved songs.