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Over the course of nearly 30 years, more than 15 albums, four name changes, and one near-death experience, John Mellencamp forged a widely imitated sound that established the blueprint for the musical sub-genre commonly referred to as "Heartland Rock." The Indiana native made a name for himself by combining a powerful, Stones-like guitar attack with a country twang, along with rhythms informed by tough, blue-eyed soul and a lean lyrical style dotted with striking Steinbeck-esque rural imagery. Remarkably enough, Mellencamp pulled the unusual trick of becoming a genuine pop superstar while maintaining a regular-guy image. Close listening to any of the tracks on WORDS & MUSIC, however, reveals Mellencamp's secret--he really is a regular guy. Tunes such as the defiant "Authority Song" and the gentle "Hand to Hold On To" are sung without a trace of irony, which is a big part of his music's appeal. Another thing that separates Mellencamp from his contemporaries is his willingness to tinker with his signature sound. The man who made the accordion cool in rock again raps on "Peaceful World," and, on 2004's "Walk Tall," even employs the services of R&B producer Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds--not too bad for an ordinary guy.
