Description

1985s five-times platinum Scarecrow found John Mellencamp truly coming into his own in terms of his songwriting and the definitive version of his blue-collar sound. An ode to small-town America and specifically the plight of the American farmer, Scarecrow peaked at #2 and produced three Top 10 hits with the anthemic R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A., and the heartland homages Lonely Ol Night and Small Town.

Scarecrow occupies that rarefied air in music of balancing commercial appeal with a strong universal message. Featuring some of the most reflective storytelling of Mellencamps career, the loose concept album also includes such powerfully evocative classics as Rumbleseat and Rain on the Scarecrow. Most importantly, the album would help bring the singer/songwriter together with Willie Nelson and Neil Young in launching Farm Aid which remains into effect to this day.