Disco de John Prine: “Missing Years”

John Prine is one of those rare singer/songwriters whose literate work is more popular with fellow artists than with the listening public (Phil Everly, Tom Petty, Bonnie Raitt, and Bruce Springsteen show up to do background vocals on this album). Prine's work started with acoustic folk and then headed off in the direction of country, but the common denominator remains his quotable lyrics (e.g., "Unlonely") and his wry comic take on the world in which we live (e.g., "Daddy's Little Pumpkin"). Even when Prince gets a bit caustic, as with "All the Best," it is still a treat, but "It's a Big Old Goofy World" with all its clichés is more to my liking. Other songs, such as "Way Back Then" and "Everything is Cool", provide the emotional revelation that is Prine's true hallmark. "The Missing Years" is one of Prine's best albums (1991 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album), a shade short of his first self-title work but as good as "Sweet Revenge," "Bruised Orange," and the more recent "In Spite of Ourselves." Of course, Prine had a built in advantage with "The Missing Years" because it had been about five years since his previous album and the result was, as you would suspect, a stronger body of work.

John Prine hit his creative peak with "The Missing Years." There are so many fine songs, it is hard to choose a favorite. Prine has never been in better voice and his normally creative folk songwriting is particularly witty here. The verbal workout "The Sins of Memphisto," the playful "Daddy's Little Pumpkin," and the rockin' "Take a Look at My Heart" are among the best tracks. This is simply one of the best examples of folk rock available.

The Missing years is another great work from John Prine. Even among his true followers (of which I'm one), there clearly had been a spark missing in some albums preceeding this one. Like Dylan, Prine has at time made albums when he really had little to say. Such is not the case with the Missing Years. The songs are catchy, touching, and thoughtful. An album that you won't quickly outgrow.

Ever get in a rut where you don't know what to listen to? I can always find my way back to my music roots listening to this CD. Every song is magical and makes you feel like you're sitting there next to John while he tells stories. Don't miss this one. It is a must have.

This is the only John Prine album I've ever really listened to, but it's a good testament to his abilities as a songwriter and musician, and a good advertisement to make a person want to hear his other work.

"The Sins of Memphisto" is a terrific, upbeat song about growing old and gaining regrets.

"Unlonely" and "You Got Gold" are happy, hopeful, beautiful love songs.

And "All the Best" is a slightly bitter well-wishing to an old flame, and may be the album's best track.

"I wish you love

And happiness.

I guess I wish

You all the best.

I wish you don't

Do like I do

And ever fall in love

With someone like you."

All of the songs tell stories (though some are cryptic), and almost all of them are good. Some I could take or leave. Overall though, this is a good collection of songs, and John Prine's voice and the songs and arrangements are all very worth listening to, and all worth getting to know.