John Prine (may he Rest in Peace) is certainly one of the greatest songwriters, performers, and astute observers of the human condition, and this is your starting point for what will likely be a life-long love affair with JP's poetic catalog. It's amazing to note that every song on this album is great, and at least ten of the thirteen songs are all-time classics. Most guitarists know that if you are playing around a campfire, someone will inevitably request a Prine song, so take your pick (and your guitar pick) and learn some of these songs before you work your way through his other albums. You can't go wrong with "Paradise," "Sam Stone," "Flag Decal," "Spanish Pipedream," "Angel From Montgomery," and on and on and on...

His debut album, with more unforegttable song than many artists come up with in a lifetime. John Prine is on the Mt. Rushmore of US songwriters, along with Dylan, Haggard and Kristofferson.

RIP John Prine

John Prine, Simply the best. I just shake my head in disbelief. Hard to believe you are gone. I would go to ITunes so often just hoping that maybe there would be a new release. I’m gonna miss you. Nobody can compare to the best and John Prine is the best. Thank you for the music, thank you for the memories. John Prine, simply the best.

Buy this album. Trust me.

Im heartbroken that he left us but im happy that he was able to do what he loved for so long. We’re gonna misd you John💔

Your music will live on forever.

I have been a huge fan of music for over 50 years. Every generation, era, decade has its moments & heroes. I love so many of them. John Prine defined the songwriter/songster. Everyone from CSN, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt, to Sturgill Simpson will tell you just how important this storyteller is. He still composes. He still sits back in his rocker. He still smokes dope. He is an American icon. This particular album defines so many aspects of music. You must listen to every song. They each mean something. It will mean something to you...

Review doesn't mention "Paradise" and it's authentic Western Kentucky story, but it's a treasure on this album. Yes, almost every song is now a standard of the Americana genre. BUT! The songs on this first album are rivalled only by other songwriters' "best of" collections. And it's authenticity rings true forty years after it's release. Coal trains, heroin addiction, under and unemployed pot smokers, the lonliness of the elderly, desperate love, these themes still resonate today.

Another classic from the boys at American Sound Studio in Memphis.