Customer Reviews

Back Home Again

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
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This album was released when John was at the apex of his popularity, and the songs on this album served to propel him firmly into the stratosphere. From the comical "Thank God I'm A Country Boy' to the incredible smash hit "Annie's Song", John Denver showcases his incredible talents here. Denver almost single-handedly began the outdoor backpacking, hiking, and orienteering movements by popularizing the idea of nature as an important element in modern life, and more than a few of the young babyboomers, like John, were more than ready for the kind of unconventional intimacy with nature he sang about so effortlessly and so elegantly. From "Sweet Surrender" to "This Old Guitar'", Denver's songs soar in their description of the beauties of a simple and natural life and in being close to the "great wide-open'.

Denver also does an unusually good cover of "Grandma's Feather Bed", written by a friend by usually identified with Denver himself. Indeed, the simple and well arranged acoustic blast of infectious energy and sweet simplicity that was John Denver is here in spades, whether it be in original songs like "Matthew" or with covers of others' work, the kid who had adopted the majesty of Colorado for his setting and his inspiration sings simply, sentimentally, and superbly about the simple pleasures and undying verities of a homespun and simple life well lived. My special favorite here is "Back Home Again", and I always wondered why it (and also "Matthew") wasn't a bigger hit for John. Hearing John sing in his youthful enthusiasm about what turns him on is still a rare treat. This one has weathered the years with all its energy and beauty intact. I love this album, and I think you will too. Enjoy.

This is the album that made JD world famous, and although more mainstream than "Poems" or any of the preceding albums, it contains not a single bad track. The imagery is strictly US countryside, but it gained an international appeal. No other album (except maybe "An Evening with" which contained the same material) ever sounded like this again. Not a pinnacle of JD 's works but the best known and a great one to listen to. "Sweet Surrender" was never bettered.

Ever before MTV made unplugged sessions popular, JD, in 1974 (the year of my birth) with Back Home Again produced one of the most sublimely raw and unplugged albums of all time! The classic 'Annie's Song', the sing-along 'Back Home Again', and the autobiographical 'This Old Guitar', need I say more.....

When I first asked my mom if she had any old John Denver LPs she simply laughed, and said that his music was much to country for what I would like. however, I found my way to the library, and didn't regret it.

This is one of John Denver's best, to say it in the most basic form. His voice has never been so beautiful, the lyrics never so heartfelt. It is so pure, just what music should be. It reminds us that somewhere in our busy lives of late-night meetings at work and violence in the papers every day, that there is still good in the world, if we just except it, and let it into our hearts.

Never thought that you'd hear that coming from one of those "cynical-generation-Xers" did you? I can tell you personally that while some people may call it sappy, or sacharine, it is a truely beautiful album. Even though listen to all different styles of music, i hold John's very close to my heart, and I'm sure you'll do the same.

Few love songs can compare with the lyrics of the beautiful " Annie's Song ". This album is full of beautiful moments of music. " Thank God I'm A Country Boy " is a thoughtful and fun song which tells the story of days gone by. I only wish that we could pass these same memories on to our kids today! Anyone who appreciates wholesome, downhome family memories would like this album. It is a classic. It has always been one of my favorites.

I've been a fan of John's music since he first started making recordings. It's hard to find an album that has such favorites as "grandma's feather bed" and "Thank God, I'm a country boy", and of course, "back home again". This one covers most of his all time best creations. If you love John's music, you've got to add this one to your collection! It's a keeper!

This was my first John Denver album, and after listening to it, I became a JD fan for life. The title track "Back Home Again", strikes a musical chord to the listener who longs for the simple good and satisfying things in life, like a fire softly burning, the smell of supper on the stove, and feeling the baby kick for the first time. The solo track "Back Home Again" was a top 10 hit for Denver back in the mid-seventies, but there are other soul-warming songs as well. The album is a good package and it will satisfy and calm your soul. It is a must for any John Denver fan.

I originally heard this album on a scratchy, vinyl edition one of my friend's parents owned. I had not listened to much of his music at that point, but after hearing "Back Home Again" I became a fan of JD. This album is the perfect starting point for anyone who is interested in JD's music but isn't very familiar with it.

I can only play your music now, because you are not around anymore. But I do remember our high school days and your sweet, mellow temperament. It led to your writing of songs that would continue to stay in my heart. I always thought that you were singing for me -- thank you for the joy of knowing you and hearing your music.

This album is one of the best albums of the 70's period. I remember listening to this album on my old Portable 8-track player on my grandmother's porch about 2:00 am in the morning back in the 70's. I thought, as a youngster, the album was great then, and I think it is just as great now. Listening to this all-time classic from 1974 I realize just how great of a songwriter and Singer Denver was over his lifetime. The stories told by Denver such as a uncle rising over hard times, "Matthew" to the fun of the monthly visit to Grandma's in Grandma's Feather Bed" to the return home of a road weary trucker after days on the road in the title track and finally the all-time classic tribute to his wife at the time Annie in "Annie's Song" each story is told with the pure honesty and sincerety Denver was always known for. In addition to the tracks above I haven't even mentioned " Thank God I'm a Country Boy" which is a track that sticks out in everyone's minds, this is the Orginal version, not the hand clapping excitement of the live version that is heard on radioes and every country fan remembers, but this is the Orginal and fits in the theme of the album, and is just as good. Also, the underplayed, should have been included on the "Greatest Hits 2 package, Sweet Surrender is also on this album that I remember hearing on a widelife commercial many, many years ago, and since forgotten. Denver had many fine albums such as "Rocky Mountain High" and "Windsong" but this album out-distances them all, and is all-tme classic. If starting your John Denver CD collection after years of hearing his songs, get this album first, then go back and get the "Rocky Mountain High LP next, which includes a fine cover of the Beatles' "Mother Nature Son," and finally pick up the "Poems, Prayers and Promises LP, which includes his classic signature tune, "Take Me Home Country Roads, Denver's tribute to the Mountain State, West Virginia.