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Avg. Rating: 4.5
John Mellencamp - One His Most Overlooked, But Best Albums
Anyone who thinks that John Mellencamp is just about pop ditties like Jack and Diane or Hurts So Good needs to listen to this album. This is heartland American song writing at its very best and remains one of Mr. Mellencamp's best works. It is mostly dark and depressing as reflected in the album's sarcastic title. Happy Go Lucky was the first recording to be released after Mellencamp suffered a heart attack while still in his early 40's. It was a life changing experience and lends the generally dark tone of this album. The album only produced only one hit single for Mellencamp, but to my ears it is one of his all time best in Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First). Other highlights include a portrait of a mentally challenged man in Jerry. The bleak, This May Not Be The End Of The World (But You Can See It From Here). More moody stuff with The Full Catastrophe and Mr. Bellows. One of the best tracks on the album Circling Around The Moon, and the album closer the simple, but to the point Life Is Hard. If you are looking for Mellencamp's good time rock n roll music, this album may not be for you, but if you enjoy strong songwriting in a more non-commercial vein this album is highly recommended. I would think that even non Mellencamp fans could find this album enjoyable.
A wonderfully different listening experience
Some albums sound like group of songs thrown together randomly. Some work together towards a story, like Tommy or Kilroy Was Here. But, this album is different than most. Mr. Happy Go Lucky is a collection of songs that have a sound that is different than what you hear with most modern rock, and they all hang together in a melodious way.
Overall, I found this to be a wonderfully different listening experience. The tunes are not toe-tapping pop music, but are enthralling, and make for a fascinating music session. I really enjoy this album, and give it my highest recommendations.
A unique effort from Mellencamp, most definitely
Johnny released Mr. Happy Go Lucky right after his heart attack, and near death experience. And almost all of the songs clearly reflect it.
But anyway, I bought this for 2 bucks thinking it would have a few fun tunes, but nothing special. Not being that much of an avid Mellencamp fan, I probably wouldn't have even gotten it, had it been for 4 dollars. But it's really good. I have to say.
Songs like "Key West Intermizo" and "Circling Around The Moon" are really different from his other stuff, and he sounds good.
transcendent and hypnotic
I've been a Melloncamp fan for decades now and return to his albums again and again when I need an authentic music encounter. Mr. Happy Go Lucky is by far his best complete work. The album is a seemless dark journey that is strangely humerous and sad. Not a moment on this disk is dull or boring;hen you put it on you are compelled to listen to it top to bottom. Of all his disks, and I have them all, this is the one I grab on the way out of a burning house.
Mellancamp: Mr Happy Go Lucky
I've been a rock affectionado for 30 plus years. This is my first Mellancamp record. Not interested in Pink Houses and his other commercial successes. Bought this on a whim and am having difficulty extracting it from the CD player. This is rock the way it was meant to be...Large World Turning, Circling Round the Moon, Full Catastrophe, Emotional Love, all terrific. The violin play is icing on the cake. I can only hope Mr. Mellancamp continues on this less commercial road!
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