VIDEO | John Mellencamp

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BAND | John Mellencamp

"Check It Out"

Last updated 📅 2025-04-18

Take a moment with John Mellencamp's reflective 1987/1988 heartland rock hit, "Check It Out." A standout track from The Lonesome Jubilee, this song blends folk instrumentation like fiddle and accordion with rock energy, urging listeners to appreciate life's simple moments.

TITLE: Check It Out
BAND: John Mellencamp
GENRE: Heartland Rock
RELEASEDAY: November 21
YEAR: 1987

Released as a successful single from John Mellencamp's acclaimed 1987 album The Lonesome Jubilee, "Check It Out" charted prominently into 1988. Its distinctive sound, rich with folk rock textures woven into a driving heartland rock base, showcased Mellencamp's evolving musical palette and thoughtful songwriting.

This late 80s heartland rock classic encourages mindfulness amidst life's rush. Featuring Mellencamp's introspective vocals and a rootsy arrangement, "Check It Out" remains a beloved track, representing the signature folk-infused rock sound of his Lonesome Jubilee era.

SONG MEANING: The song serves as a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple wonders and moments of everyday life ("Check it out") before time slips away ("Before you get too old," "Life is crazy"). It reflects on life's brevity and encourages paying attention to the world and people around us.

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"John Mellencamp"

John Mellencamp stands as an essential voice in American rock, renowned for his powerful heartland rock anthems and honest storytelling. His music captures the struggles, joys, and realities of small-town life with unflinching sincerity, earning him critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase worldwide.

TITLE: John Mellencamp
ACTIVE: 1974–present (1974)
BAND: John Mellencamp

His incredible catalog features timeless classics, from nostalgic tales of youthful romance and rebellion to defiant working-class anthems. Around 1985, his sound deeply embraced folk rock instrumentation within his signature heartland rock framework, producing some of his most acclaimed and socially conscious work...

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BAND | John Mellencamp

"Cherry Bomb"

Remember simpler times with John Mellencamp's nostalgic 1987 rock hit, "Cherry Bomb." A standout single from The Lonesome Jubilee, this track blends heartland rock with rich folk instrumentation like accordion and fiddle, fondly looking back at youthful nights at the local club.

TITLE: Cherry Bomb
BAND: John Mellencamp
GENRE: Rock
RELEASEDAY: August 24
YEAR: 1987

Released as a major hit single from John Mellencamp's acclaimed 1987 album The Lonesome Jubilee, "Cherry Bomb" climbed high on the rock charts...

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BAND | John Mellencamp

"Hurts So Good"

Feel the bittersweet sting with John Mellencamp's Grammy-winning 1982 rock hit, "Hurts So Good"! The explosive lead single from his breakthrough album American Fool, this track blends heartland rock grit with irresistible pop rock hooks, defining his sound for a generation.