John Cougar Mellencamp
American Fool

THE REVIEW

Turning Point Album in John Mellencamp's career, "American Fool" is, in my personal opinion, a work that over the years hasn't aged too well. The reasons should be sought more in its occasionally bloated sound, a product of that easy and commercial rock that dominated American radio in the early eighties, rather than in its individual songs. An album perhaps unhappily produced that, nonetheless, back in 1982, sold millions of copies for Our Artist who, let's not forget, already had a series of light, pleasant records full of good intentions behind him.

That year, two tracks were enough for John Cougar to storm the charts. The clever "Jack And Diane," a delightful piece that you can't help but like, played on breaks dictated by few and well-chosen chords, and the tough "Hurts So Good," a classic rock'n'roll anticipating the Stones-like attitude of the great "Uh-Huh." Alongside these two super hits, John offers two anthological ballads that demonstrate his talent: "Hand To Hold On To," with a stunning guitar solo, and the sweet "Weakest Moments" positioned at the close of the album. "Danger List" holds up well with its catchy refrain, and the commanding "Thundering Hearts" with its unexpected guitar tour de force that dazzled live audiences. The other compositions are more unripe and can be forgotten quite easily. I'm referring to the fragile "China Girl" and the direct "Can You Take It" and "Close Enough." Despite this, "American Fool," Mellencamp's best seller, has the great merit of making his name known, spreading his music, and opening the doors to an artistic career full of satisfactions and successes.

"American Fool" already contains all the elements that will make John Mellencamp a pillar of that "Rock In The U.S.A." that Little Bastard would proudly sing about a few years later in the masterpiece "Scarecrow."