John prine greatest hits

Now that I’ve been away from the paper for 15 years, I can freely admit to all those irate fans who wrote letters to the editor over the years — I did make a lot of misjudgments during my 35 years as pop music critic of the Los Angeles Times. John Prine, who died from COVID-19 complications on Tuesday at age 73, was never one of them.From his debut album in 1971, Prine was one of the greatest songwriters America has ever produced, someone who embraced the underdog sensibilities and poetic grace of his chief influences: Hank Williams, Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie.John’s debut album arrived at an opportune time for me.I had only been the paper’s pop music critic for two months when my review of Elton John’s U.S. club debut at the Troubadour in the summer of 1970 helped launch him to superstardom, a point noted in the film “Rocketman.” I went from being just one of the crowd at the Troubadour, where the best new singer-songwriters were showcased every Tuesday night, to someone perceived by the music industry to possess magical powers to jump-start careers. Mostly, the Elton review gave me enormous credibility, and I wanted to protect it; I wanted readers to trust me. So, I set such high standards for new acts that it took 15 months before I found another new artist whom I felt deserved equal endorsement: John Prine.Kris Kristofferson, whom I had championed at The Times before Elton, heard the 25-year-old in a Chicago club and believed so much in him that he had Atlantic Records send me an advance copy of Prine’s debut album.I started listening to the LP around midnight and listened over and over until around 4 a.m. I was enthralled by the empathy, commentary, wit and even humility in his songs. John wasn’t much at coming up with new melodies, but the words were magnetizing. The songs soon felt like old friends that you wanted to share with your real friends. You didn’t just listen to a John Prine song, you wrapped yourself in it like a favorite jacket.In a front-page Sunday Calendar review, I called the folk-country album an instant classic and freely placed him in the company of Dylan, Williams and many of our other greatest songwriters.As it happened, John didn’t become a superstar in the commercial sense. The debut album, “John Prine,” never even reached

Song cruise, on which they sang his hits “Illegal Smile” and “Paradise”; and in 2017, they reunited to sing his classic “Angel from Montgomery” at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. “John Prine singlehandedly impacted my songwriting more than anyone else. He’s the king of turning phrase but keeping it simple,” Musgraves told PEOPLE in an exclusive statement following his death four years ago. “They say you shouldn’t meet your heroes, but you’ll never meet someone as truly genuine as he was.” At the time, Musgraves added: “There are two times I’ve ever seen my dad cry: my Memaw’s funeral and the time I got to play with John Prine." "Cardinal" isn't the first song of Musgraves' that Prine has inspired: He was also the muse behind her early track "Burn One with John Prine." As for the rest of Deeper Well, Musgraves recently told PEOPLE the record is reflective of the peaceful time she's enjoying in her life. "It's definitely my most grounded time period yet. I'm 35 now, and I know myself better than in previous years, previous albums, and I just feel like I'm right where I need to be," she said. "Ultimately, the song sums up where I'm at in my mid-30s and really evaluating what love means to me, what friendships mean to me, what are the things that I need, what is really important to me, what's serving me, what's not serving me, and taking stock of that and making room for the things that actually

Focuses on trauma at every turn of this powerful piece. The audience can sense empathy but never feels emotionally manipulated through happy endings or dramatic twists – it is all about facing hard truths in life.John Prine's wit and wisdom are on full display in 'That's the Way That the World Goes Round', a song that reminds us life is a circus and we're all just clowns.2. That’s the Way That the World Goes RoundThis song is one of John Prine's most popular works. It's a catchy, upbeat tune that speaks about the unpredictable nature of life and how it can sometimes be disappointing. The lyrics are both clever and relatable, making it a favorite among many fans. The melody is also very catchy, making it easy to sing along to. This song has stood the test of time, and it's recognized as one of John Prine's greatest hits. Its timeless message continues to resonate with listeners around the world.In verse one, Prine discusses how people can have everything going for them one minute only to have things taken away from them in an instant. He then goes on to say that no matter what happens, people need to keep moving forward because that’s the way that the world goes round.What sets this song apart from others is its ability to make people laugh and smile despite its bleak subject matter. The lyrics are filled with humor and irony while still delivering a serious message that everyone can relate to.Not many people know this, but John Prine wrote this song after watching his first-ever poker game. The concept of things can change in an instant really struck him, and he knew he had to write a song about it. It’s amazing how something as simple as a card game could inspire such an incredible piece of music that has touched so many lives over the years.3. When I Get to HeavenThis song highlights John Prine's humorous side where he paints a picture of Heaven as a joyful place with no rules or restrictions. He sings about meeting his loved ones and indulging in his favorite things like smoking cigarettes that don't make him cough anymore. This track from Prine's album 'The Tree of Forgiveness' is a charming take on the afterlife, perfect for listeners who want an upbeat and positive view of death.Prine's playful lyrics and carefree delivery add to

In the rich tapestry of American folk and country music, few voices resonate with the timeless authenticity and poetic brilliance quite like John Prine’s. A wordsmith and troubadour, Prine left an indelible mark on the musical landscape, crafting songs that are poignant, humorous, and profoundly human. As we embark on a journey through the vast catalog of this legendary songwriter, we find ourselves immersed in the Top 10 Best John Prine Songs of All Time, a collection that spans decades and captures the essence of the human experience. From the evocative simplicity of “Angel from Montgomery” to the wry wit of “Illegal Smile,” each song serves as a testament to Prine’s unparalleled ability to distill the complexities of life into musical masterpieces. This exploration not only celebrates the brilliance of Prine’s songwriting but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to the late artist who left an enduring legacy. So, join us on this melodic voyage as we revisit the soul-stirring compositions that solidify John Prine’s position as one of the greatest songwriters in the pantheon of American music.1. Sam Stone2. That’s the Way That the World Goes Round3. When I Get to Heaven4. In Spite of Ourselves5. Fish and Whistle6. Some Humans Ain’t Human7. Hello in There8. Dear Abby9. Grandpa Was a Carpenter10. Illegal Smile1. Sam StoneThis entry among "10 Best John Prine Songs of All Time" represents the heart-wrenching tale of Sam Stone, a Vietnam War veteran who fell prey to drug addiction. Prine narrates the devastating effects of war on a soldier's life and their inability to find peace back home. The song is enriched with metaphors, similes and Prine's signature humour.Prine masterfully crafts lyrics that vividly capture the harrowing reality faced by veterans returning home after combat. He paints a tragic picture of Sam Stone's struggles with addiction while also highlighting the societal indifference towards veterans' mental health and well-being. This haunting melody showcases the grim consequences of war and how it affects soldiers long after they have returned.Unique details in this song include references to popular culture, such as the line 'There's a hole in daddy's arm where all the money goes,' likened to Mick Jagger's iconic nose. Additionally, this song was covered by several artists such as Johnny Cash, Tom T. Hall, Swamp Dogg among others.Inspired by his childhood friend's plight who were forced into the Vietnam War without much choice or liberty, John Prine

John Prine was known for his wit. Many of his most famous songs had a playfulness about them, that made the truth he was dishing out more tolerable. However, he did have a fair few songs that were on the somber side. Check out three such songs below, if you’re in need of a good cry. [RELATED: “If It’s So Easy, Why Don’t You Get Up and Do It?”: How John Prine’s Sharp Tongue Landed Him a Life-Changing Offer]3 of the Best John Prine Songs for When You Need a Good Cry 1. “Blue Umbrella” “Blue Umbrella” sees Prine reel in the wake of losing a love. One can nearly see Prine sitting in a darkened room, not sure what to do next. Instead of making any hard decisions, he decides to write this song instead. It reads like a stream of consciousness from someone who’s mind is foggy with doubt. Blue umbrella, rest upon my shoulderHide the pain while the rain makes up my mindWell, my feet are wet from thinking this thing overAnd it’s been so long since I felt the warm sunshineJust give me one good reasonAnd I promise I won’t ask you anymoreJust give me one extra seasonSo I can figure out the other four2. “Clay Pigeons” “Clay Pigeons” isn’t a Prine original, but he sings it like it is. It feels autobiographical, which is a testament to Prine’s performance style: authentic and discerning. It’s a folk classic for a reason, with Prine’s rendition being one of the most famous. If you feel stuck in life, this is the track for you. I’d like to stayBut I might have to go to start over againI might go back down to TexasMight go to somewhere that I’ve never beenAnd get up in the mornin’ and go out at nightAnd I won’t have to go homeGet used to bein’ aloneChange the words to this songAnd start singin’ again[RELATED: 4 John Prine Covers That Nearly Eclipse the Original]3. “Hello In There” Prine had his eyes and ears open to the world around him. Many of the people he came into contact with ended up in his songwriting. He created a plethora of characters throughout his tenure. In “Hello In There,” Prine shines a light on people in our society who often get overlooked: the elderly. The sentiment of trying to connect with our elders will prompt a swell of

Kacey Musgraves dropped her latest album on Friday, and it includes a sweet nod to her late friend John Prine. In the zine available for purchase with her new record Deeper Well, out now, Musgraves reveals that album opener "Cardinal" was inspired by the country icon, who died in April 2020 of complications from Covid-19, writing: "When cardinals appear, angels are near." "Unexplainable things started happening and cardinals started showing up on my doorstep soon after my good friend and mentor passed, John Prine," Musgraves, 35, writes in the zine. "He always had a big connection to cardinals and felt that they were messengers from the spirit realm. He inspired this song, no doubt." "I saw a sign / Or an omen / On the branches / In the mornin' / It was right after I lost a friend / Without warning / Words unsaid / Scarlet red / Cardinal / Are you bringin' me a message from the other side / Cardinal / Are you tellin' me I'm on somebody's mind / Don't leave me behind," Musgraves sings on the track. Kacey Musgraves (in 2022); John Prine (in 1996).Steven Simione/FilmMagic, Gie Knaeps/Getty The lyrics complement the track's otherworldly production, as well as the overall aesthetic of the album, which Musgraves succinctly described as "soft nature cottage witch" to The Cut. Musgraves was a longtime fan of Prine before they became friends and collaborators once she found Nashville fame. She joined Prine in 2015 aboard his Cayamo: A Journey Through