The best John Prine albums

20 records, ordered by how much they reward a first listen — not by chart position.

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John Prine

  1. 1
    In Spite of Ourselves

    In Spite of Ourselves

    1999

    A playful blend of classic country duets layered with wry humor and heartfelt storytelling.

  2. 2
    Bruised Orange

    Bruised Orange

    1978

    A bittersweet blend of folk and country, woven with storytelling that is both humorous and deeply reflective.

  3. 3
    Great Days: The John Prine Anthology

    Great Days: The John Prine Anthology

    1993

    A tapestry of vivid storytelling woven through folk and country melodies, reflecting the complexities of everyday life.

  4. 4
    Standard Songs for Average People

    Standard Songs for Average People

    2007

    A warm blend of classic country and folk, featuring heartfelt storytelling wrapped in simple, timeless melodies.

  5. 5
    Aimless Love

    Aimless Love

    1984

    A blend of wistful storytelling and understated melodies capturing the essence of everyday life and love's fleeting moments.

  6. 6
    John Prine

    John Prine

    1971

    A blend of poignant storytelling and folk melodies that capture the complexities of everyday American life.

  7. 7
    For Better, or Worse

    For Better, or Worse

    2016

    A heartfelt collection of classic country and folk covers infused with Prine's warm storytelling and timeless melodies.

  8. 8
    Pink Cadillac

    Pink Cadillac

    1979

    A blend of playful country rhythms and introspective folk storytelling, rich with Prine's signature wit and warmth.

  9. 9
    Live on Tour

    Live on Tour

    A warm blend of storytelling and humor wrapped in acoustic melodies that evoke the essence of American folk traditions.

  10. 10
    Prime Prine: The Best of John Prine

    Prime Prine: The Best of John Prine

    1976

    A poignant blend of storytelling and heartfelt melodies that captures the essence of American life through a folk and country lens.

  11. 11
    Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings

    Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings

    1995

    A blend of whimsical storytelling and poignant reflections, infused with country and folk melodies that resonate deeply.

  12. 12
    The Missing Years

    The Missing Years

    1991

    A blend of witty storytelling and poignant reflection wrapped in lush country-folk melodies that evoke nostalgia.

  13. 13
    Storm Windows

    Storm Windows

    1980

    A blend of poignant storytelling and melodic folk, illuminated by Prine's signature wit and warmth.

  14. 14
    Fair & Square

    Fair & Square

    2005

    A rich tapestry of storytelling woven with warm melodies and Prine's signature humor and poignancy.

  15. 15
    Common Sense

    Common Sense

    1975

    A blend of wry humor and poignant storytelling, underscored by folk-inflected melodies and a country sensibility.

  16. 16
    The Tree of Forgiveness

    The Tree of Forgiveness

    2018

    A warm tapestry of folk and country, woven with reflective storytelling and gentle melodies that evoke nostalgia.

  17. 17
    Sweet Revenge

    Sweet Revenge

    1973

    A blend of wry humor and poignant storytelling wrapped in folk-infused country melodies and Prine's unmistakable voice.

  18. 18
    A John Prine Christmas

    A John Prine Christmas

    1994

    A blend of heartwarming storytelling and wry humor wrapped in folk-infused holiday melodies.

  19. 19
    German Afternoons

    German Afternoons

    1986

    A blend of whimsical storytelling and heartfelt reflections woven through country-tinged melodies and folk-inspired arrangements.

  20. 20
    Diamonds in the Rough

    Diamonds in the Rough

    1972

    A heartfelt blend of storytelling and introspection marked by Prine's signature wit and poignant lyricism.