In Spite of Ourselves cover

In Spite of Ourselves

John Prine · 1999

43 min · 16 tracks · country · folk

Playful duets and classic country melodies intertwine, celebrating love’s complexities with humor and heart.

Why this album works

This album is significant for its critical reception, being hailed as a return to form for Prine and showcasing his signature storytelling through traditional country sounds. It features notable collaborations with artists like Iris DeMent, influencing a new generation of songwriters and contributing to Prine's legacy in the Americana genre.
Career context
In Spite of Ourselves was John Prine's first album of new material in nearly a decade, following the critically acclaimed The Missing Years. Released in 1999, it marked a return to recording after a period of personal challenges and health issues, positioning him for a resurgence in popularity within the Americana and country music scenes.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 (We’re Not) The Jet Set Standout 2:36
  • 2 So Sad (to Watch Good Love Go Bad) 2:29
  • 3 Wedding Bells / Let’s Turn Back the Years 3:47
  • 4 When Two Worlds Collide 2:21
  • 5 Milwaukee Here I Come 2:21
  • 6 I Know One 2:41
  • 7 It’s a Cheating Situation 2:56
  • 8 Back Street Affair 2:47
  • 9 Loose Talk 2:44
  • 10 Let’s Invite Them Over 2:11
  • 11 ’Til a Tear Becomes a Rose 2:50
  • 12 In a Town This Size 3:31
  • 13 We Could 2:17
  • 14 We Must Have Been out of Our Minds 2:16
  • 15 In Spite of Ourselves Standout 3:33
  • 16 Dear John (I Sent Your Saddle Home) 2:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata