John Cougar Mellencamp – The Lonesome Jubilee

A bold and richly textured album, The Lonesome Jubilee finds John Mellencamp blending heartland rock with fiddle, accordion, and dobro, resulting in a vibrant, rootsy sound. Lyrically, Mellencamp delivers poignant observations on working-class struggles and American disillusionment, while still maintaining anthemic melodies and a defiant spirit. It’s a standout in his discography—both musically adventurous and thematically grounded.\

Released in 1987, The Lonesome Jubilee reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200 and features the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10s "Cherry Bomb" and "Paper In Fire." The album is certified triple-platinum in the U.S.

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter
• From the hit-making collection celebrating albums from 1982-1989
• 180-gram LPs, all albums cut from the original analog tapes

Reviews

“A masterstroke of Americana, fusing rock with folk instrumentation to deliver one of Mellencamp’s most complete artistic statements.” — Rolling Stone

“The Lonesome Jubilee captures Mellencamp at his most vital—restless, reflective, and resolutely Midwestern.” — AllMusic

“It's the sound of a man redefining mainstream rock with grit, grace, and fiddle solos.” — Pitchfork

“A sweeping, dust-blown portrait of America that’s as catchy as it is introspective.” — The Guardian

“Mellencamp’s lyrical candor and sonic ambition converge in this rugged, fiddle-laced triumph.” — PopMatters