Hailing from southern Indiana, rock artist John Mellencamp started his career as John or Johnny Cougar, a name given to him by David Bowie's manager, thinking it would help him mass an audience. Mellencamp was likely destined for superstardom no matter what because he had songs. The prolific singer and songwriter has amassed 22 top 40 hits: 10 reaching the top ten, and one reaching #1 ("Jack & Diane"). He was the 9th most successful artist in the 80s and won a Grammy for "Hurts So Good," which reached #2 in 1982. Mellencamp stayed true to his midwestern sound throughout the 90s, but what brought him continued success was his fearlessness to experiment. He fused some reggae, rap, and electronic beats into some of his tunes, keeping critics interested and audiences entertained. He's also performed some high-profile duets, the most successful being a cover of Van Morrison's "Wild Night" with Me'Shell Ndegeocello, which hit #3 in 1994. The brilliant "Peaceful World" from 2001 was recorded with India.Arie but it bubbled under. Mellencamp hasn't seen the top 100 since 2006, when "Our Country" stalled at #88. The single comes from the album "Freedom's Road," an underrated effort in his catalogue that seemed poised to be a major comeback. "Someday" is another terrific cut from this record that should have restored him to top 40 glory.
Arizona alternative rock band Jimmy Eat World formed way back in 1993 and, after cultivating a loyal fan base, scored a major commercial success with their infectious single, "The Middle." "The Middle" (no relation to the TV sit-com of the same name) landed at #5 in 2002. Unfortunately, it did not secure future chart success for the band. Follow-up single "Sweetness" stalled at #75 and their final chart appearance came in 2005 when "Pain" hit #93. Like "The Middle," "The Authority Song" is another gem from the near-perfect fourth record originally titled after the stormy lead-off track, "Bleed American." But after the 9/11 terror attacks, the band reissued the album as a self-titled release, sensitive to the notion that "Bleed American" could be offensive at the time. The deluxe version of this breakthrough record in 2008 reclaimed the "Bleed American" title. "The Authority Song" is indeed written about John Mellencamp's classic hit from the 80s. It is a catchy and spirited tune with wonderful backing vocals that should have been released as a single. I'm surprised other notable tracks, like "A Praise Chorus" and "If You Don't, Don't," didn't burn up the charts. The band continues to release new records, their latest being "Integrity Blues" from 2016. I'd say my second favorite record from their catalogue is 2007's "Chase This Light."
Two voices, one smooth and one hoarse, make up the BoDeans, an all-American rock band that has been going strong since the 80s. Despite a lot of critical acclaim at the get-go, the band didn't score a major hit until their song, "Closer To Free", was chosen to be the theme for the hit TV show, "Party Of Five". "Closer To Free" would go on to be their only charting hit, landing at #16 in 1996. My favorite record by the band is 1989's "Home". Some of their most consistently good songwriting, a raw and live feel, and drumming by the great Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp's band) came together and made a masterpiece. Also, don't miss the backing vocals by Marshall Crenshaw on the song "Brand New". The anthem, "You Don't Get Much", is one of my favorite tracks from "Home". Hard to understand why this song didn't set radio on fire back in the day.
