Search - John Denver :: Poems Prayers & Promises

Beautiful, Acoustic Folk-Country

Lonnie E. Holder | Columbus, Indiana, United States | 01/20/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"John Denver was a bit unusual, even during the height of his popularity. While music during this time was realigning itself to rock as pop, and acquiring a harder edge, John Denver became a success with a series of folk/country/pop songs.



John's fourth and first commercially successful album yielded two songs that are now considered country standards: "Take Me Home, Country Roads," and "Sunshine on My Shoulders." Both of these mellow songs set the tone for most of this album. The only song that breaks out of the mellow mold is "Wooden Indian," a short country-rock song.



Several wonderful songs from this album were commercially overlooked. "Junk," a Paul McCartney song, is a lovely acoustic fireside song well fitting with John Denver's image. "Gospel Changes" is another simple, yet beautiful, acoustic song. "I Guess He'd Rather Be in Colorado" is one of several songs John sang that related to the state that he enjoyed so much, and endeared him to the citizens of the state during and after his popularity waned.



The other songs on this CD are generally similar; mostly acoustic, mostly John's voice, generally mellow. A trademark of John's albums is that while he sings many of his own songs, he also sings songs by others. On this album he sings "Let It Be" by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, "Fire and Rain," the classic James Taylor song, the aforementioned "Gospel Changes," along with collaborations on several other songs.



The last selection on this CD is somewhat unusual, a story titled "The Box." "The Box" is a combination political statement, cautionary tale, and protest tale all in one. The story fits well with John's image as a political activist, but it is difficult to believe that the story was allowed to go onto a commercially released album. Regardless, it is there, an artifact of days when protests were more vocal (and often more violent) than those of today. Fortunately, you can program your CD player to skip over this selection in favor of the beauty of the rest of the CD.



I listen to John Denver occasionally to balance my musical tastes. His music is a reminder of a simpler time, perhaps, of my youth, and of our country from not that long ago. There is beauty in this CD.



There are several versions of this album in existence. This particular version is imported from Japan. Its major attraction is that it is 24-bit digitally remastered, and audiophile fans of John Denver may find the quality desirable. Everyone else should review the choices available and choose that which meets their needs and budget.

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