5 Underappreciated Songs From John Denver

The best way to appreciate a musician is to look for their underrated hits. That’s not to say that we should overlook the gems created by him/her, but to see the depth of one’s songwriting and cherish it for what it is. We could look at hundreds of musicians on this one, but for this occasion, we celebrate the legacy of John Denver by looking at his few deep cuts, all waiting to be appreciated in their own time.

“All of My Memories” – Aerie (1971)

While on the road, the musician pines for his family and friends in “All of My Memories.” John Denver longs for more rural settings, the only setting that seems fitting for the singer, between the strenuous life in hotel rooms and dizzying roads to travel.

“The Cowboy and the Lady” – Some Days Are Diamonds (1981)

Denver smoothly contrasted two different beings by making the rough, rugged cowboy form a relationship with the pretty and fancy lady. Its lyrics confirm such: “But there we sat, the cowboy and the lady” / “She was evenings at the opera and summers in Paree” / “I was Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, Tennessee.”

“Mother Nature’s Son” – Rocky Mountain High (1972)

The Beatles included this track on their double album The Beatles, although it sounds like it was written and performed only by John Denver. How could it not be? Denver knew best how to portray nature in his own accord.

“Friends With You” – Aerie (1971)

This wistful musing comes from Denver’s sixth studio album. In these lines, Denver reflects on the wisdom that comes with age and the many opportunities it presents. A somber minor melody hangs over the verses, but an upbeat tone greets its chorus.

“Matthew” – Back Home Again (1974)

“Matthew” is one of Denver’s most moving songs, and it shows that he has genuine faith in the importance of doing the right thing in life. The song, which is loosely based on his uncle’s brief life, ignores perfection in favor of delivering a moving ode to a genuine man.