What makes Some Days Are Diamonds by John Denver notable?

'Some Days Are Diamonds' features the title track, which became one of Denver's signature songs. The album received significant airplay on country and pop radio stations, showcasing Denver's enduring appeal as a crossover artist and solidifying his place in the hearts of fans during a period when country music was gaining wider popularity. By the time 'Some Days Are Diamonds' was released in June 1981, John Denver was already a well-established artist, known for his chart-topping hits like 'Annie's Song' and 'Rocky Mountain High'. This album followed his more commercially successful records and marked a return to simpler songwriting and personal themes after experimenting with different musical styles in the late 1970s.

Who is Some Days Are Diamonds for?

Some Days Are Diamonds works well if you're into steady melodic flow, reflective listening moments and bittersweet emotional undertones.

How many songs are on Some Days Are Diamonds?

Some Days Are Diamonds has 10 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Some Days Are Diamonds

John Denver · 1981

36 min · 10 tracks · country music

A heartfelt blend of folk and country, filled with introspective lyrics and soothing melodies that evoke the beauty of simple moments.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Some Days Are Diamonds — This titular track encapsulates the album’s themes of hope and reflection, featuring poignant lyrics that explore the duality of life’s experiences.
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Gravel on the Ground — With its vivid imagery and narrative quality, this song highlights Denver's storytelling prowess, reflecting on life's challenges through a lens of resilience.
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Wild Flowers in a Mason Jar — This track stands out for its tender portrayal of nostalgia and simple joys, blending gentle melodies with evocative lyrics that celebrate fleeting moments.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album features strong melodies and emotional lyrics, but its sound is familiar within the genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with the title track, which features a slow build-up of instrumentation before settling into a steady rhythm.
Several tracks incorporate rich vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.
The sequencing alternates between mid-tempo songs and slower ballads, creating a dynamic flow that maintains listener interest.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady melodic flow
reflective listening moments
bittersweet emotional undertones
short, immersive tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its introspective lyrics and signature title track.
Career context: By the time 'Some Days Are Diamonds' was released in June 1981, John Denver was already a well-established artist, known for his chart-topping hits like 'Annie's Song' and 'Rocky Mountain High'. This album followed his more commercially successful records and marked a return to simpler songwriting and personal themes after experimenting with different musical styles in the late 1970s.
Stylistic neighbors: James Taylor· Jim Croce· Gordon Lightfoot