Cuttin' Heads
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Description
You pretty much know what to expect from a John Mellencamp album at this point in time, and Cuttin' Heads certainly won't disappoint the Midwest rock troubadour's diehard fans. In fact, Mellencamp's 18th album is arguably his most engaging, and coincidentally timely, since 1989's Big Daddy. "Peaceful World," a beautiful folk-rocker featuring guest vocalist India Arie, takes on a more poignant and ironic tone in light of the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Public Enemy's Chuck D contributes a fabulous rap on the opening title track, which, like "Peaceful World," addresses American racism. Elsewhere, Mellencamp offers up typical fare, including several love tunes (Trisha Yearwood duets on "Deep Blue Heart"), the calypso-like "Crazy Island," and a lyric on "Women Seem" that's ornery enough to still merit the Little Bastard nickname he once gave himself. It's not Scarecrow, but it's still a fine effort. --Bill Holdship
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