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On the Rural Route 7609 cover

On the Rural Route 7609

John Mellencamp

Album 2010
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About this album

Sound: "A reflective blend of heartland rock and poignant storytelling, capturing life's bittersweet moments."

Where they were

By 2010, John Mellencamp was a seasoned artist with several decades of experience, and 'On the Rural Route 7609' marked his return to roots after a series of mainstream successes. This album compiles both new and previously unreleased tracks alongside demos, showcasing Mellencamp's evolution while revisiting his core themes of Americana and rural life.

Why it matters

'On the Rural Route 7609' is notable for its exploration of Mellencamp's legacy, featuring previously unreleased material that provides insight into his songwriting process. The album received positive critical reception and further solidified Mellencamp's status as a chronicler of American life, contributing to discussions around authenticity in music during the late 2000s.

Essential tracks

  • "Jack and Diane" — The iconic hit reimagined here showcases Mellencamp's storytelling prowess and evokes nostalgia for simpler times.
  • "Rain on the Scarecrow" — This track powerfully addresses themes of hardship and resilience in rural America, blending personal narrative with broader societal commentary.
  • "Authority Song" — A classic anthem against oppression, this version emphasizes Mellencamp's enduring message about standing up against authority while maintaining relevance.
  • "Ghost Towns Along the Highway" — This track reflects on the decline of small towns in America, a recurring theme in Mellencamp’s work that adds depth to the album's narrative.

Release Date

January 1, 2010

Artist Origin

United States

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 Longest Days 3:11
  2. 2 Grandma’s Theme 0:57
  3. 3 Rural Route 3:08
  4. 4 Jackie Brown 4:04
  5. 5 Rain on the Scarecrow 3:20
  6. 6 Jim Crow 0:55
  7. 7 Jim Crow 3:21
  8. 8 Big Daddy of Them All 3:32
  9. 9 Deep Blue Heart 3:21
  10. 10 Forgiveness 4:31
  11. 11 Don’t Need This Body 3:26
  12. 12 Jenny at 16 1:59
  13. 13 Jack and Diane (writing demo) 1:07
  14. 14 Jack and Diane 4:17

Disc 2

  1. 1 The Real Life 2:36
  2. 2 Ghost Towns Along the Highway 4:39
  3. 3 The Full Catastrophe 4:21
  4. 4 Authority Song (writing demo) 1:54
  5. 5 Troubled Land 3:26
  6. 6 To Washington 3:10
  7. 7 Our Country (alternative version) 3:22
  8. 8 Country Gentleman 3:19
  9. 9 Freedom’s Road 4:13
  10. 10 Mr. Bellows (remixed version) 4:00
  11. 11 Rodeo Clown 4:27
  12. 12 Love and Happiness 3:39
  13. 13 Pink Houses 4:44

Disc 3

  1. 1 If I Die Sudden (live) 5:41
  2. 2 Someday 3:08
  3. 3 Between a Laugh and a Tear 2:55
  4. 4 Void in My Heart 2:16
  5. 5 Death Letter 6:10
  6. 6 Sugar Marie 4:10
  7. 7 Theo and Weird Henry 4:51
  8. 8 When Jesus Left Birmingham 3:58
  9. 9 L.U.V. 3:10
  10. 10 Thank You 3:40
  11. 11 Women Seem 5:16
  12. 12 The World Don’t Bother Me None 4:04
  13. 13 Cherry Bomb (writing demo) 3:29
  14. 14 Some Day the Rains Will Fall 4:35
  15. 15 A Ride Back Home 3:12

Disc 4

  1. 1 My Aeroplane 4:42
  2. 2 Colored Lights 3:25
  3. 3 Just Like You 4:03
  4. 4 Young Without Lovers 2:51
  5. 5 To M.G. (Wherever She May Be) 4:24
  6. 6 Sweet Evening Breeze 4:53
  7. 7 What If I Came Knocking 5:09
  8. 8 County Fair 3:43
  9. 9 Peaceful World 3:14
  10. 10 Your Life Is Now 4:00
  11. 11 For the Children 4:37
  12. 12 Rural Route 3:56

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