Five must-hear John Prine records by the decade

“John Prine” (1971): Prine’s debut is a folk classic with oft-covered standard “Sam Stone” and more. “German Afternoons” (1986): “Speed of the Sound of Loneliness” is among the stand-outs on this album written when Prine’s marriage was falling apart. “In Spite of Ourselves” (1999): This album of duets with some of Prine’s favorite female singers was his first release after cancer surgery. “Fair & Square” (2005): “Long Monday” is yet another heart-wrenching ballad from a master of them. “The Tree of Forgiveness” (2018): Prine’s latest release is among the year’s best.