John Mellencamp has created a deep, rough sound in his new album, “Life, Death, Love, and Freedom.” Teaming up with phenomenal producer T Bone Burnett he is no longer thinking about his 1982 hit song “Jack and Diane,”
Mellencamp has returned to his blues and country roots with more poignant lyrics. Common for artists of his caliber, Mellencamp has left behind some of the catchier hooks that define his earlier career.
The album starts out with “Longest Days,” a simple, but powerful song about how quickly life passes by.
The highlight, however, is “Troubled Land.” This song touches on the darker side of humanity, and scolds those creating unrest, with lyrics reading: “The eyes of heaven are upon you, but so is the soul from down below.”
It may be Mellencamp’s best album yet. It is, certainly, his most honest.
