Words & Music: John Mellencamp's Greatest Hits
Album
2004
About this album
Sound:
"A vibrant collection of heartland rock anthems that celebrate Americana and personal resilience."
Where they were
By 2004, John Mellencamp was a seasoned artist with over two decades in the music industry. 'Words & Music' serves as a retrospective of his career, following the commercial success of his previous album 'Cuttin' Heads' (2001) and showcasing his evolution into a reflective storyteller.
Why it matters
This greatest hits compilation not only peaked at No. 28 on the Billboard 200 but also solidified Mellencamp's status as a key figure in American rock music. The album features classic tracks that have influenced generations of musicians, further demonstrating his enduring impact on the heartland rock genre.
Essential tracks
- "Pink Houses" — 'Pink Houses' exemplifies Mellencamp's signature storytelling style, blending social commentary with an uplifting melody that resonates with listeners.
- "Jack & Diane" — This track encapsulates youthful nostalgia and small-town romance, making it one of Mellencamp's most recognizable songs and a staple of American pop culture.
- "Authority Song" — 'Authority Song' captures the spirit of rebellion and youthful defiance, reflecting Mellencamp's ability to channel social issues into catchy rock anthems.
- "Crumblin’ Down" — With its driving rhythm and introspective lyrics, this song showcases Mellencamp’s knack for blending personal struggle with wider societal themes.
Release Date
October 19, 2004
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Walk Tall 3:45
- 2 Pink Houses 4:45
- 3 Lonely Ol’ Night 3:46
- 4 Jackie Brown 4:03
- 5 Rain on the Scarecrow 3:46
- 6 Love and Happiness 3:54
- 7 Check It Out 4:21
- 8 Peaceful World 4:06
- 9 Paper in Fire 3:52
- 10 Your Life Is Now 3:59
- 11 Human Wheels 5:36
- 12 When Jesus Left Birmingham 5:16
- 13 Authority Song 3:50
- 14 What If I Came Knocking 5:06
- 15 Crumblin’ Down 3:36
- 16 Small Town 3:42
- 17 R.O.C.K. In the U.S.A. 2:55
- 18 Cherry Bomb 4:49
- 19 Pop Singer 2:46
Disc 2
- 1 Thank You 3:38
- 2 Martha Say 3:43
- 3 Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First) 4:54
- 4 Hand to Hold on To 3:25
- 5 I Need a Lover 5:36
- 6 Hurts So Good 3:41
- 7 Get a Leg Up 3:47
- 8 Wild Night 3:28
- 9 Dance Naked 3:01
- 10 Teardrops Will Fall 4:20
- 11 Ain’t Even Done With the Night 4:38
- 12 Just Another Day 3:31
- 13 Jack & Diane 4:17
- 14 Rumble Seat 2:59
- 15 I’m Not Running Anymore 3:27
- 16 Again Tonight 3:18
- 17 This Time 4:20
- 18 Now More Than Ever 3:43
