Having a knack for writing about the average guy and gal, Mellencamp’s songs connect with fans. His lyrics and music combine into a delectable meal of Heartland rock that hits a nerve. Not just a nerve of staunch independence, but a nerve that says, “This is my life. This guy gets it.” Mellencamp continues to strike a nerve with Sad Clowns & Hillbillies as it made a phenomenal debut in 2017.
Released on April 28, 2017, Sad Clowns and Hillbillies debut at #11 on the Billboard 200. Mellencamp’s 23rd album is also his 19th Top 40-charting hit; his 5th album to be in the Top 20. According to Billboard, he received his first Top 40 album almost exactly 36 years ago with Nothin’ Matters and What If It Did (Billboard.com). It was in 1979 that Mellencamp first entered the charts and the songwriter has continued to produce fantastic music. Sad Clowns & Hillbillies didn’t just debut on the Billboard 200, it also landed in the Top 10 on a number of other charts.
The release of the new album also placed Mellencamp in the Top 5 for both the Top Rock Album and Top Album Sales Charts. The songwriter has hit #3 on the Top Rock Album Chart, which ties his 2007 Freedom Road debut, and gave him his first Top 5 album in a decade (Mellencamp.com). The album further broke the Top 5 on the Album Sales Chart. The Top 5 is an amazing feat, however, Sad Clowns & Hillbillies wasn’t done breaking records.
(John Mellencamp with Martina McBride “Grandview” music video. Video courtesy of John Mellencamp VEVO.)
The latest album from Mellencamp also hit #1 on the Top Americana Album Charts beating out his 2014 Plain Spoken album. Plain Spoken reached #2 on the Top Americana Album Chart, which is an amazing thing to do, however, hitting #1 is historic for the singer-songwriter, and well-deserved. The album features that recognizable voice and relatable lyrics fans have come to know and love. Joined by Carlene Carter, daughter of June Carter Cash and step-daughter of Johnny Cash, Sad Clowns & Hillbillies packs a punch of Heartland rock.
(John Mellencamp with Carlene Carter “Indigo Sunset”. Courtesy of John Mellencamp/YouTube.)
John Mellencamp’s latest album Sad Clowns & Hillbillies reached historic debuts on the charts and is well-deserved. The Heartland rocker hits a nerve that is staunchly independent yet relatable. Somehow, he gets it. Mellencamp has the ability to weave a tale that fans can say, “That’s my life. This guy gets it.” Nothing is more important than a musician who can completely connect with the listener. Mellencamp does this effortlessly.
To purchase Sad Clowns & Hillbillies go here.
~Jenna Jakes, WOGB
Related Links:
John Mellencamp Exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Soundtracks of John Mellencamp
John Mellencamp, Americana Rocker and Accomplished Painter
WOGB Artist Spotlight: Rob Anthony Revisits His Musical Roots
WOGB Exclusive Interview: Kip Winger
