The Missing Years
John Prine · 1991
54 min · 14 tracks · country · folk
A blend of heartfelt storytelling and wry humor, layered over folk-inflected melodies that evoke nostalgia and introspection.
Why this album works
This album revitalized Prine's career, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album in 1992. It was well-received by critics and featured the hit single 'Jesus the Missing Years', which helped introduce his music to a new generation of listeners.
- Best for
- heartfelt storytelling with humor nostalgic reflections on life steady pacing for deep listening
- Context
- By the time 'The Missing Years' was released in 1991, John Prine was experiencing a creative resurgence after a decade-long hiatus from major releases. This album marked his return to the studio, following the less commercially successful 'Aimless Love' in 1984, and featured collaborations with prominent musicians like Bruce Springsteen, further cementing his influence in the Americana genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Prince· Madonna· No Doubt· Christina Aguilera· Harry Nilsson· Debbie Gibson· Cher· Sparks
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Picture Show 3:22
- 2 All the Best Standout 3:28
- 3 The Sins of Memphisto Standout 4:13
- 4 Everybody Wants to Feel Like You 3:09
- 5 It’s a Big Old Goofy World 5:10
- 6 I Want to Be With You Always 3:01
- 7 Daddy’s Little Pumpkin 2:41
- 8 Take a Look at My Heart 3:38
- 9 Great Rain 4:08
- 10 Way Back Then 3:39
- 11 Unlonely 4:35
- 12 You Got Gold 4:38
- 13 Everything Is Cool 2:46
- 14 Jesus the Missing Years Standout 5:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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