![]() ![]() Of course, all of these songs feel personal. Named after a play written by Tennesee Williams, this album finds Mellencamp in the same cranky mood he’s been in since… well, Scarecrow? He’s always had a political streak, well since the aforementioned Scarecrow, but I’m not sure he’s ever been this “plain spoken.” Beyond the political, there are some of Mellencamp’s most poignant, personal songs here as well. Although I might argue that Orpheus Descending is Mellencamp’s strongest album since 2007’s Freedom’s Road. To put it simply, Orpheus Descending is the best album Mellencamp has put out since… pick your last favorite Mellencamp LP… 1998’s mid-career, eponymous titled album ( John Mellencamp, not to be confused with 1979’s John Cougar)? John Mellencamp, like all mid-career eponymous titled LPs, was huge creative statement. And I have to admit, right out of the chute, nothing prepared me for the stunning beauty and emotional power of the songs that make up Orpheus Descending. I liked both those albums, especially Strictly A One-Eyed Jack, which featured a great duet with Bruce Springsteen, “Wasted Days.” One year between albums is a pretty quick turnaround these days. Prior to last year’s album it had been five years since his previous album, 2017’s Sad Clowns And Hillbillies. Like most artists these days, Mellencamp typically takes more time between albums. It’s only been a year since Mellencamp’s last album Strictly A One-Eyed Jack. ![]() Both new songs are really superb protest songs but that’s not what surprised me. I was stunned a few weeks ago to see that John Mellencamp had released two new songs, “Hey God” and “The Eyes Of Portland,” and had an album coming out this month. “If there’s a will, there’s always a fucking way…” – John Mellencamp, “Orpheus Descending” ![]()
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