John Denver could never smirk. It wasn"t in him. And while looking back from the perspective of the jaded, cynical "90s makes Denver seem even more anachronistic, it must be admitted that he always told the truth as he saw it, no matter how awkward and painful such truths might seem. By the time of 1974"s Back Home Again, Denver had written the bulk of what would be his canon. Here he delivers "Thank God I"m a Country Boy" and his earnest, cornpone imagery ensures that to most he is never taken seriously again. Denver"s knack for melody, however, never abandons him and tracks like "This Old Guitar" and "Sweet Surrender" benefit from his gentle ear, no matter how simplistic his sentiments. --Rob O"Connor