The Americans JOHN MELLENCAMP Producer(s): Tony Brown, John Mellencamp Genre: COUNTRY Label: Universal/Republic
During the last decade, boundaries between country and rock have blurred, so it's no surprise that veteran rockers are trying to connect with country. The Van Zant brothers took time off from gigs fronting 38 Special and Lynyrd Skynyrd to record a well-received country album, while Bon Jovi hit No. 1 with Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles and has a forthcoming CD targeting the genre. Mellencamp's heartland roots rock perfectly fits the format, and in serving up a song about American pride and values, he speaks the language of this audience. The lyric is positive, thoughtful and while not as strident as some patriotic anthems, there's enough meat to make Toby Keith proud. Working with Nashville super-producer Tony Brown, Mellencamp crafts a solid single that will make him the newest member of the country club. —Deborah Evans Price
