John MellencampScarecrow

Mellencamp's angriest, most rooted record, written as the family farm was vanishing from the American map. 'Rain on the Scarecrow' is a gut-punch of agrarian heartbreak, all thunderous drums and righteous fury, while 'Small Town' beats with hometown pride and 'R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.' bursts with garage-rock joy. This is heartland rock with dirt under its nails. His defining statement and the moment he became essential.