John Prine Albums Ranked

John Prine (October 10, 1946 – April 7, 2020) was an American country-folk singer-songwriter. He was active as a composer, recording artist, live performer, and occasional actor from the early 1970s until his death, and was known for an often humorous style of original music that has elements of protest and social commentary. Widely cited as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, Prine was known for humorous lyrics about love, life, and current events, as well as serious songs with social commentary and songs that recollect melancholy tales from his life. In 2020, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Here are all of John Prine albums ranked.

Don’t miss out on the TIMELESS John Prine music below! Click to experience the legendary songs of John Prine!

10. Fair And Square (2005)

“Prine’s lyrics have always been wonderful. This album continues that, but with a more personal style. It sings to the inside of things. There is depth and a maturity. It isn’t some old guy trying to relive his youth. It’s an older guy giving us the wealth of his experience, for good or for bad..”

9. Live (1988)

“This is a great collection of his songs. An intimate heartfelt live set where John Prine connects with his audience in a big way. His storytelling & joking create a wonderful bond with the attending audience. If you are a fan, you would be remiss not to own this.”

8. Storm Windows (1980)

“STORM WINDOWS is something different and versatile for John Prine, a little rock-n-roll, country folk combination – “Shop Talk” and “I Had A Dream Last Night”, are good rockers,- there’s Prine’s famous trademark finger pickin’ featured on, “Sleepy Eyed Boy”, also listen for, “Living In The Future”, “All Night Blue”. Smoothly and naturally there’s the almost flawless songwriting of John Prine.”

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7. The Tree Of Forgiveness (2018)

“There isn’t anything that I don’t like about this album! It is reminiscent of earlier Prine music and compositions and it is indeed a treasure. He is a master storyteller and musician and each track is excellent. It has been a long time coming but worth the wait. He covers so many emotions with such simple phrases and listening to John once again is a joy!”

6. Aimless Love (1984)

“Be My Friend Tonight kicks off the record with a bit of pace and Rockin. Then buckle up for one of John’s slowest, most heart-wrenching records. At times the emotional heft of the songs seems too much to bear for artist and listener alike, but damn if it doesn’t make you really FEEL. The creative genius on display here is staggering, especially on Bottomless Lake and Unwed Fathers.”

5. In Spite Of Ourselves (1999)

“Prine’s duet album has some good moments, some funny moments, and is certainly a value with 16 tracks. He said that everyone he asked to join him agreed, so he’s got quite the lineup with Lucinda Willimas, Emmylou Harris, Iris DeMent (four times), Patty Loveless, Trisha Yearwood and several more.”

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4. The Missing Years (1991)

“The lyrics are rich on every song, and this disc is wonderful and splendid from beginning to end! Great for all John Prine fans – and even better to introduce yourself, or a friend, to this marvelous musician and CD. Hard to imagine anyone not liking this compilation – or John Prine.”

3. Bruised Orange (1978)

“This album is filled with examples of the wonderful songwriting, easy delivery and comfortable performing style that define the greatness of John Prine, one of America’s finest singer-songwriters. The production, by long-time Prine pal Steve Goodman, is excellent — clear, uncluttered and unpretentious. Every song on this collection is a gem, and the mood varies like a soft breeze from track to track — the journey is over far too soon.”

2. Sweet Revenge (1973)

“It may not feature his most famous songs or his most emotionally charged, but I’d argue there is no better record to demonstrate who John Prine is as an artist. This blend of heart, humor, honesty, and creativity could have come from no one else.”

1. John Prine (1971)

“Timeless” is a word that gets used far too often when people express praise for albums, but it’s the right word to describe John Prine’s debut album. When I was in my twenties, I played guitar often with friends I worked within environmental education, and many of the songs we played together came from a folk songbook called Rise Up Singing, a book my buddy Mike calls “the Bible.”