John Mellencamp: Life, Death, Love & Freedom Review
Don't expect a little ditty about Jack and Diane on Life, Death, Love & Freedom. Mellencamp throws away the catchy hooks which made him famous and opted for a dark and depressing bluesy folk album which laments the end of the road. Yet, when listening to Life Death, Love & Freedom, I can't help but think about the lyrics to "Jack and Diane". Mellencamp had seemed to realize how dismal life would become with older age.Hold on to sixteen as long as you can
Changes comin' round real soon
Make us women and men
Maybe he doesn't note how bad life would become but he obviously sees that changes are coming. Hopefully, Mellencamp enjoyed his younger years, because his current outlook on life is bitter and grim. Old age isn't all that bad though, for one it brings a raspy voice perfect for howling the blues. Secondly, it brings the maturity and wisdom to look at life the way it truly is. Mellencamp luckily takes advantage of both. Aside from all the loathing of personal anguish, Mellencamp also tosses in some social messages, the best example of this is the song "Jena", about the Jena six incident. The song is very powerful as is the entire album.
Mellencamp delivers sincerity and despair on Life, Death, Love & Freedom. In all honesty, this may be the strongest album of his career. It is stripped down music without any drive to be radio friendly and it works. The songs are folky yet melodic and Mellencamp's emotions are so powerful and clear.
Grade: A-
posted by Jeff at 10:48 AM
5 Comments:
WOW! I was hoping I'd get a review of this from a trusted source. I've heard a few tracks on the radio and now will be getting the CD. Thanks!
I don't have the energy to review music right now, but I sure miss getting all the freebies!
Layla - I hear ya with not having the energy to review CDs but ever since I've had a "real" job I've spent so much time commuting on the train I have nothing else to do so I'm enjoying it so much. I used to see it as a hassle but now I'm liking it a lot more which is good.
This CD is really good, especially if you're into early Dylan.
JC/JCM/JM has always been underrated as a musician and artist. An American poet.
David - I never really got into Mellencamp, I've always found his music a little generic. There is no doubt that he can write catchy songs though, and I've never really taken the time to dig through his lyrics, maybe I should.
Nice review of this album. I have also talked about it over on my blog. This is a unique piece of work from Mellencamp, and it works! I was never a big fan, but I love this one.
Jon
The Rock Brigade Blog
http://the-brigade.blogspot.com/
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