John Mellencamp probably knows better than anyone that during the '80s heartland rockers did not automatically earn critical respect just because they attempted to make music about something meaningful. Of course, he must be getting a vindicating chuckle out of the continuing influence of the form both good (the thriving Americana music scene) and not so good (the ever safer, mass-produced universe of commercial country music).

When it comes right down to it, there aren't many genres of the '80s other than hardcore punk and college rock that attempted to make bolder musical statements than the decade's heartland rockers. The music of Mellencamp and Bob Seger continues to resonate across generations for a pretty good reason: both artists are savvy songwriters who appealed equally to listeners in primal as well as cerebral ways. That wide appeal remains the hallmark of this form, achieved without the sacrifice of quality such popularity often mandates. Check out my Heartland Rock Profile for a closer examination of this significant '80s form.