For a career that spans about four decades and includes 23 albums, I’d call that a success.
I’m talking about the guy who sings “Small Town,” “Pink Houses” and “Cherry Bomb.”
I’m talking about Seymour native singer-songwriter John Mellencamp.

On July 15, Mellencamp released his latest CD, “Live, Death, Love and Freedom.” It starts acoustically with “Longest Days” and follows up with the upbeat “My Sweet Love.” From that point on, it gets pretty dark.
It may be a new sound to Mellenheads and those who know his music from days gone by. But what it does include, like in music of the past, is the realness that is John Mellencamp. He’s real, raw and raspy. That’s what makes this Hoosier rocker stand out.

“My Sweet Love” already has a music video, featuring Karen Fairchild of the country music foursome Little Big Town. She’s featured on four songs on the album, twice as a vocal duet, and she and her bandmates provided background vocals on Mellencamp’s last release, “Freedom’s Road.” “My Sweet Love” is a sweet sounding song, and I thought it sounded radio-ready, and that was before I knew there was a music video. It’s already a hook with me.

The remaining 12 songs are sort of a rollercoaster of emotions, from “If I Die Sudden” to “Don’t Need This Body.” One song that has stuck with me since I first heard it is “Jena,” which is about a 2007 controversial case in Jena, La. It’s a song that condemns racism, and it’s really the only “controversial” song on the album. Some critics of past Mellencamp albums have said he was getting too political and everything, but he doesn’t do that on this album.

That’s one thing that people say about Mellencamp: they may like his music, but they may not agree with his stance on certain things. That’s OK, though. That’s anybody’s right. It’s good that people aren’t afraid to express their opinions. And that’s how Mellencamp has been.

Then there are people who may not like Mellencamp the person. I don’t know Mellencamp and I have never met him, but the way I look at it, I like his music and it’s always a good listen. So I’ll keep listening to it no matter what. I know many people know Mellencamp from his younger days and that’s their reasoning behind their opinion of him. But look at his career.
How many people from small-town southern Indiana could say they’ve had the success that Mellencamp has had? Twenty-three albums and a longlasting career; that’s what many musicians strive for. Plus, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in March, so he was apparently worthy enough of the honor. Someone thought so, and I agree with them.

I’ll continue to support Mellencamp and his music, and I’m glad to say I’m a Mellencamp fan. We should all be proud to call Mellencamp a fellow Hoosier. Anytime I hear a Mellencamp song, especially his hit songs of the past, it really makes me feel good. His new album isn’t as “feel-good,” but it’s worth a listen.
As long as Mellencamp keeps making music, I’ll listen.

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