Customer Reviews

Missing Years

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If CDs had grooves I'd have worn this one out 20 times. John is the writer, or co-writer, on 13 of the 14 songs here, and his writing has never been more poignant, subtle, or reflective. A fine blend of bluesy folk-rock, mildly sad and nostalgic, yet there's an undercurrent of joy & humor, suggesting the confidence of a survivor who thoroughly enjoys life. This record sounds like a long lost friend who's come back to share his stories--and, with the likes of David Lindley, Albert Lee, Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench, Tom Petty, Phil Everly, Bonnie Raitt, and Bruce Springsteen paying their respects--the music transcends Prine's previous records. A warm, family-reunion like aura permeates the sound, and it's hard for me to imagine a better John Prine album, enjoyable over and over again, one of my must-have CDs.

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.

This was a comeback album for John and in my opinion, it's his best ever, and boy oh boy,(no pun intended) that's saying plenty. This guy's responsible for my switch in music genre's some years ago with his early stuff. I never thought he'd top his classic self- titled and "Bruised Orange" releases, but he did it. The smartest storyteller around. Thanks John, "you got gold" inside of you.

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.

Outstanding. Ten of the 14 songs are excellent. Four are very good. There isn't a bad song in the whole CD. Prine has a unique way of singing about the little world. You can understand every word. He is definitely not your typical top 40 guy nor does he want to be. For people who don't know his music, he is a well kept secret. It's my favorite CD.

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.

I bought this CD and it has really grown on me. When I'm on a road trip I always bring it with me. Reminds me of Dylan in the way he can tell a story. John Prine is unique and consistant in his style on this record- no bluffing here- he cuts straight to heart of real life in his songwriting and presentation. I really like this music...

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 one of my favorite Prine releases, the other being Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings. If you are a long time Prine fan, this is a very nice additon to your collection, if you are new to JP, it is a nice place to start. The best cuts in my opinion are:

Picture Show
Sins of Memphisto
Everybody Feels Like You
Unlonely
Take a Look at My Heart

The other cuts are ok, however I am not as taken with them as I am with the ones listed.

Sins of Memphisto has to be one of my favs, the lyrics are nonsensical and thats what makes the song what it is. Kind of like American Pie, you keep listening, trying to figure out something that can't be figured out.

You won't be dissapointed.

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.