Iris DeMent Songs Ranked

Iris Luella DeMent (born January 5, 1961) is an American two-time Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter. DeMent’s musical style includes elements of folk, country, and gospel. DeMent was inspired to write her first song “Our Town” by a drive through a boarded-up Midwest town, at the age of 25. The song lyrics came to her “exactly as it is now”, without need for re-writing, and she realized then that songwriting was her calling in life. “Our Town” was played during the closing scene for the final episode (July 26, 1995) of CBS’s television series Northern Exposure. The song has been recorded by Kate Rusby, Kate Brislin & Jody Stecher, and Trampled by Turtles. In 2015, DeMent released The Trackless Woods, an album based upon and inspired by the words of Russian poet Anna Akhmatova, on her own Flariella record label. She reunited with John Prine in 2016 for his second duet’s album For Better, or Worse and performed on two tracks. DeMent received the Americana Trailblazer Award at the 2017 Americana Music Honors & Awards. Here are all of Iris DeMent’s songs ranked.

Don’t miss out on the CLASSIC hits of Iris DeMent! Click and enjoy the songs of this very talented artist!

10. Hotter Than Mojave in My Heart (Infamous Angel, 1992)

“Love her voice! The unique style of Iris DeMent is like no other. This is my third purchase of this CD, one for myself in 1993, one foe my parents and now one for my kindle. We laugh because my parent’s “song” after 50 years became Hotter Than Mojave in My Heart. Iris DeMent is a singer-songwriter for all generation. She is always new and fresh no matter how many times I hear her music!”

9. You’ve Done Nothing Wrong (My Life, 1994)

“Queen of the Holler…Iris you sound like the real deal coal miners daughter. A southern baby doll angel voice. We love you Iris. Don’t go away! Stay and play more music for us, why? We love you girl thats why!”

8. No Time to Cry (My Life, 1994)

“I discovered Iris Dement by accident just browsing through used cd’s one day. The cover of this album intrigued me enough to buy it and when I first heard this song I was just blown away. Still deeply moved each time I hear it.”

7. Mama’s Opry (Infamous Angel, 1992)

“An outstanding folk/country song with a great tune, based on personal history and loving memories – sung by Iris DeMent’s remarkable, down-home voice. The minor chord in the third line adds a special touch. The song is made even more attractive by DeMent’s vision of a world beyond the one we see, evoked by the power of musical expression. I especially like the lyric: “I don’t want to get adjusted to this world below, But I know He’ll Pilot Me ’til it comes time to go…”

See more: Iris DeMent Albums Ranked

6. Easy’s Gettin’ Harder Every Day (My Life, 1994)

“A song with the title of ‘Easy’s Gettin’ Harder Every Day’ just grabs your attention. It’s all about the routine of life which when you do it an excessive number of times becomes “easy” in itself but ironically also becomes “harder” because of the monotonous routine. The singer with her gritty voice makes the song all the more relevant as she itemizes the events and pleasures of our lives albeit with a degree of acceptance. The repetition of the song title at the end of each verse reinforces the reality of the song’s sentiment. A beautiful song not trying to airbrush the responsibilities and realities of life but perhaps helping the listener to accept what they feel, at times, in the mediocrity of the daily grind.”

5. Wasteland of the Free (The Way I Should, 1996)

“You’ve captured an amazing moment there… & I for one appreciate you sharing this incredible lady’s amazing talent for us to see. It would be a special thing to see her sing live.”

4. Our Town (Transatlantic Sessions – Series 1: Volume Three, 2009)

“This lady has a voice that just can’t be described. I love to hear her sing. I’ve been a fan of her style of songs and music all my life.”

See more: John Prine Albums Ranked

3. Sweet Is the Melody (My Life, 1994)

“At rare times special people have creations of nearly perfect beauty. This is one of those times. This song comes together like a complex puzzle balanced from side to side and top to bottom. It speaks to the heart directly. I love it.”

2. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (Lifeline, 2004)

“100s of versions of this song have been made.  But Iris Dement has finally sung it with the slow, deliberate, emotional melancholy that compliments & does justice to these beautiful heart plucking lyrics. “

1. Let The Mystery Be (Infamous Angel, 1992)

“She is invincible in her genre. These early songs have so fresh charisma, a pleasure listening to again and again. Love this artist, for ever!!!”