John Cougar - American Fool

The year was 1982, John Cougar released a breakthrough debut album entitled, "American Fool." This album produced some of the best rock sounds music lovers had heard in a long while. Songs like "Hurts So Good" stayed on the #2 spot for 4 weeks and stayed on the charts 16 weeks. "Jack and Diane" hit #1 for 4 weeks and is the only song by John Cougar to make the Billboard Hot 100 list. "Jack and Diane" was the real revelation on this record, a poignant take on life from a small town somewhere in the middle of America, a golden vein he would mine with even greater success on later recordings. Thanks to those two songs, "American Fool" rocketed up the album charts.

"American Fool" came during a time when music was not acoustic, but electronic with a new wave pop sound. John Cougar, later known by his given name of John Mellencamp brought an edgy garage rock sound that could only be described with one word, rock. It is not pop, new wave, country or blues, but rock.

Other songs on the album did not do so well, though "Hand to Hold on to" did make it to number 19 and was heard often in concert throughout the rest of the '80's. Despite the fact that "American Fool" made Mellencamp a star, he does not consider it anywhere close to being a masterpiece. "Hurts So Good" did go on to win an Emmy award for Best Male rock Vocal Performance at the twenty-fifth Grammys.

If you love rock, a strong male vocal, then pick up a copy of "American Fool" by John 'Cougar' Mellencamp today.

Where to buy:

Amazon.com Used and new starting at $0.01

Borders.com $10.99

Bestbuy.com $7.99

CDUniverse.com $9.29

TowerRecords.com $5.99