Nothin' Matters and What If if Did (1980) 


 


  1. Hot Night in a Cold Town
  2. Ain't Even Done With the Night
  3. Don't Misunderstand Me
  4. This Time
  5. Make Me Feel
  6. To M.G. (Wherever She May Be)
  7. Tonight
  8. Cry Baby
  9. Wild Angel
  10.Peppermint Twist
  11.Cheap Shot
  12.Latest Game

 

Released in 1980, Nothin’ Matters and What If It Did is a curious entry in John Mellencamp’s early catalogue—still operating under the “John Cougar” moniker and still negotiating the divide between label-crafted image and personal identity. The title alone is pure Mellencamp: sardonic, dismissive, and vaguely philosophical in a Midwestern, barroom kind of way. That sense of frustrated defiance runs through much of the material, but it’s paired with a songwriting sensibility that, while still developing, is increasingly self-assured.

Coming off the heels of John Cougar—a rough but promising collection that hinted at bigger things—this album feels, if anything, like a modest step backward. The production, helmed by Steve Cropper of Booker T. & the M.G.'s fame, is clean but occasionally too slick, and some of the arrangements feel more concerned with radio polish than raw urgency. Still, Mellencamp’s songwriting is tightening up, and his voice—equal parts sneer and sincerity—is beginning to sound like its own instrument rather than an imitation of his influences.

The album’s standout track, Ain’t Even Done with the Night, is a minor triumph and Mellencamp’s first Top 40 hit. It’s soulful, restrained, and genuinely melodic, offering a preview of the more mature, reflective artist he’d become in just a few short years. It remains one of the most enduring songs from his early period, even if it’s rarely remembered outside of diehard circles. Other highlights include This Time, a charming nod to ‘50s-style pop that balances sentiment with swagger, and the underrated Don’t Misunderstand Me, which sits quietly between the more familiar singles and arguably holds up just as well. The front half of the album carries most of the weight, with the back end drifting into less memorable territory.

Not everything works. Mellencamp occasionally leans too hard into the bad-boy persona, with moments like the juvenile Cry Baby and the clumsy label jab Cheap Shot offering more attitude than substance. These tracks feel more like sketches than songs, and the bravado wears thin quickly. But even in the missteps, there’s a growing sense of confidence—a performer beginning to take ownership of his voice, even if he’s not yet sure where to take it.

Nothin’ Matters and What If It Did is not a great album, but it’s a competent one. It bridges the gap between Mellencamp’s early misfires and his impending breakthrough. The material may still be uneven, but there’s no denying that something was starting to click.

The big moment was just around the corner.

Go back to the main page
Go To Next Review