Released in 1982, American Fool was a highly successful release for John Cougar (Mellencamp) as his previous four albums were somewhat lacklustre performers at the cash register. Granted, sales don’t always represent the musical skill of an artist, but American Fool was different. It was mature. Focused. Musically and lyrically rich. Perhaps most importantly, there isn’t a bad song to be heard on the album and the radio-friendly styling was guaranteed to make Cougar’s music more appealing to the masses than any of his prior releases.
Rising to the top of the charts, with American Fool, John Cougar would forever become a household name and with classic tunes such as Hurts So Good and Jack & Diane, there’s little doubt as to why this album was a success and is one of the best albums released in 1982. Yes, the production quality is exceptional and the lossless Apple Music stream, derived from the 2005 CD remaster, is sonically pleasing even though it’s been heavily compressed. While purists may dislike that aspect, and the fact that the remaster introduced the song American Fool to the album for the first time, to ignore this release would be shortsighted for I’m unwilling to give up that bonus song for a version of the album, sans American Fool, but with a greater dynamic range.
The Dolby Atmos mix, by comparison, is really nice. While it isn’t the greatest surround sound mix, it’s non-offensive and offers a slightly fuller presentation than the stereo counterpart. You’ll also experience greater instrument separation on the surround mix. Elemental aspects that were previously concealed in the stereo mix are presented with clear spatiality, thereby allowing you to experience every nuance. You’ll get a sense of Kenny Aronoff being in the room with you as he batters rhythmically on the drum kit. It really is a case of more, not less, and it isn’t distracting. There is a problem, however, and that is that you’ll have to listen for yourself and decide which version is your preferred to listen to. As I’m more focused on two-channel audio, I’ll likely stick to the stereo version, but it does sound really good on my Atmos-compatible system.
Regardless of which version appeals to you, an album is nothing if not for its collection of songs. So, join me as I take a look at the songs that make up this classic release.
Hurts So Good has an energetic and rebellious spirit that resonates with even the most anhedonic humans amongst us. With Cougar’s gritty vocals, a bluesy-rock style, and an incredibly addictive clap track, Hurts So Good is one of those songs that requires no fanfare for once it comes on, you get it immediately.
Jack & Diane is a classic rock anthem with a catchy melody and relatable lyrics. I’m sure there are numerous examples of this, but the one-two combination of Hurts So Good and Jack & Diane is unprecedented as it pertains to the opening of an album. You’d be forgiven for thinking that it is all downhill from here, but you'd be wrong by coming to that conclusion for as exceptional as this tune is, American Fool is most certainly an album-first music experience.
Hand To Hold On To is more melodic and traditionally pop-oriented, when compared to the previous two songs, but with catchy hooks, and a sing-along quality, you’ll find that Hand To Hold On To adds diversity to American Fool. If nothing else, it’s a killer soft rock tune that is only depreciated by the two incredible songs that came before it.
Danger List is a fantastic soft-rock number that will see you toe-tapping along. With Cougar’s raspy vocals laid atop the energetic instrumentation, Danger List is a hidden gem and one of the best songs Cougar has ever recorded.
Can You Take It is a solid blues-based rocker with a driving rhythm. Yes, it’s a classic album-only tune and can be a little corny in places, particularly in the chorus, but American Fool wouldn’t be the same without it.
Thundering Hearts has some killer guitar licks and a rhythmically thrilling drum and bass beat. While the verses are somewhat mundane, the lyrical highlight of Thunder Hearts is its chorus. As a result, you’ll find yourself toe-tapping throughout the verses and singing along during the chorus.
China Girl is simply magnificent! The song’s catchy guitar riffs and Cougar’s extraordinary vocal range ensure that China Girl is a lively classic rock tune. Interestingly, China Girl is a song that I feel would have been perfect had Cold Chisel ever decided to cover it for it has Jimmy Barnes’ lead vocals written all over it along with Ian Moss’ harmonious backing vocal; not to mention the entire band and overall style of their music.
Close Enough is a great mid-tempo rock number that will compel you to toe-tap and head-bop to the addictively good rhythm.
Weakest Moments is a simply beautiful song that's both introspective and contemplative. As the original closing track, I can see why it was chosen for that position for it not only compels you to listen to the album again, but it will allow for a reflective moment of the music you’ve just heard. Either way, it’s an incredible tune and one of the very best songs from the album.
American Fool (Bonus Track) is an interesting addition to the 2005 remastered edition of American Fool for title tracks are normally included on the albums that are their namesake. Nevertheless, while I’m normally uninterested and unimpressed with bonus material, this is an exception. It should have always been included on the record as the album flows perfectly with this song on the back end. It’s also worthy of inclusion in its own right as the catchy guitar hooks and driving rhythm ensure the rock edge of the album is maintained to the very final note.
When considering American Fool, as a complete body of work, it isn’t far-fetched to regard it as a landmark release that showcases Cougar’s ability to craft catchy and memorable songs that resonate with a broad audience. Yes, much of the album’s success can be attributed to Hurt So Good and Jack & Diane, but to limit its notability to those two amazing songs is incredibly shortsighted for American Fool is an album experience first and foremost. It just happens to have a couple of the most recognisable tunes from the 80s as the album's opening tracks. Subsequently, whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to John Cougar's music, American Fool remains a must-listen for anyone interested in the sound and spirit of 1980s heartland rock.