Review / 200 Words Or Less
John Prine
The Tree of Forgiveness

Oh Boy Records (2018) Brendan Hilliard

John Prine – The Tree of Forgiveness cover artwork
John Prine – The Tree of Forgiveness — Oh Boy Records, 2018

John Prine's first album of new material in 13 years is a great place to start with the legend’s career, as it kind of covers the ground of the sometimes funny, sometimes terribly sad songs he’s known for. Working with Dave Cobb (known for producing both Jason Isbell and Chris Stapleton) Prine focuses on the mundanities of everyday life, and some of those songs like the humorous “Egg & Daughter Nite, Lincoln Nebraska, 1967 (Crazy Bone)” and the tender “I Have Met My Love Today” is a gorgeous little love song that comes and goes in under two minutes. “Summer’s End” is probably one of the most beautiful, weightless ballads I’ve heard in a long time. It’s a record that’s a small gift, one that you’re welcome to have but did not at all expect. That’s the best kind.

John Prine – The Tree of Forgiveness cover artwork
John Prine – The Tree of Forgiveness — Oh Boy Records, 2018

Related news

Recently-posted album reviews

Psing Psong Psung

Only Fan
ORG Music (2023)

Not to be confused with Neil Diamond's Song Sun Blue and I draw no real comparisons to that classic housewife panty-wetting meandering staple of heart-melting, throbbing, pulsing underlying sexual tension in Diamond’s piercing, crooning, come hither and watch me slither succubus style. Come to me, look into my eyes… look deep into my eyes. This leads me to a small story with no relevant … Read more

Off Contact

Pearls Before Swine
Independent (2023)

Pearls Before Swine= offering something of value to someone who does not understand its value or appreciate it The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. These two statements could best describe the debut release of Off Contact. To truly understand this release, it would take countless spins around the world of 33 ⅓ rotations. Easy comparisons are … Read more

Frank Turner

Undefeated
Xtra Mile (2024)

The singer-songwriter gig is a hard one. You have to be the center of attention, captivating your audience from start to finish. Yes, Frank Turner plays with a backing band (The Sleeping Souls), but the focus is always on Turner, be it on stage or on a 14 song LP. And he’s willing to put it all out there. Many … Read more