Yes, this is a very good review.




Mike

That's a very nice review.



Mike

I posted a review of John's new album Plain Spoken on iTunes and wanted to share of with everyone on John's forum.  I encourage and challenge everyone here to do the same.  if we all want to see John have a #1 album, this might help the album get there.

Here's my iTunes review.

The music on John’s album Plain Spoken is rich and warm.  Lyrically John put his heart and soul into each song.  If you like Bob Dylan, you’ll find some similarities in John’s songwriting.  The music is gentle and touching.  The gruffness of his voice blends perfectly with the instruments.  Yeah, Plain Spoken is not a rock record like Scarecrow and there are no Jack And Dian’s on the record but what we do have is a beautifully crafted album.  The songs move the listener and are touching.  If an artist has moved you with their music or lyrics, they’ve achieved their goal.  John Mellencamp has done that with Plain Spoken.  Every song on this recording is a highlight.

Rating: 5 out of 5




Mike

John is so down to earth in his interviews.  It's always a treat to hear how it all started.




Mike

I've posted a review of Plain Spoken on iTunes.




Mike

I love all the songs on Plain Spoken.  Blue Charlotte, Isolation of Mister and Troubled Man are incredible.  John has done an absolutely great job on this record.




Mike

My Plain Spoken review is posted on iTunes.




Mike

I have posted a review on iTunes.




Mike

Yes, Plain Spoken is a wonderful record.  Emotional and heartfelt lyrics and blended with John's gruff and soulful vocals.  It's a fantastic album.




Mike 

HMV is still around in Canada.  I hope they continue to be for years to come.




Mike

It was great to watch.




Mike

I couldn't agree more.  It is a five star plus album.  A must have for anyone who loves John's music and music with depth and emotion.




Mike

Although I didn't receive the download because I purchased my tickets directly from a retailer, I'm doing whatever it takes to spread the word about the release of Plain Spoken.




Mike   

No Better Than This is an excellent album but I do agree that Plain Spoken is on another level.

Sometimes these reviewer listen to bits and pieces and then write it sounds like, then they name some other artist or band.  Fair enough, there may be some slight similarities but John's songwriting is quite different from anyone.  Especially now that he is getting older.  It's as if he is writing for someone else.  As John says, he is not writing about anything he has particularly experienced and that's what is so unique about John's music.

The other thing about these reviewers is, they listen to tons of music and then have to put their thought on all they've just heard and write their thoughts.  They don't have time to really digest the music properly when they write their reviews.  So it's not really a fair assessment of the music they are critiquing.

As fans, it's hard to say something critical or negative about an artist/band who's music we've loved and grown up with.  John's music was quite different in his very early days.  He rocked!  Some of John's fans wish he'd do another rock album but John himself isn't that young man anymore.  He's evolved as a musician and grown as a man.  He can't shake off the past and that is why he still plays the classics and that made him a name.  I'm sure he still has some rock 'n' roll left in him but I love the musical journey he's been on for the last few years.




Mike

The production of Plain Spoken is outstanding.  The sound is deep and rich.  John did a terrific job with T Bone Burnett on this recording.  They both work great together.




Mike