Plain Spoken (2014)
1. Troubled Man
2. Sometimes There's God
3. The Isolation of Mister
4. The Company of Cowards
5. Tears in Vain
6. The Brass Ring
7. Freedom of Speech
8. Blue Charlotte
9. The Courtesy of Kings
10.Lawless Times
If there was ever a title that accurately summed up an album, it’s this one. Plain Spoken is just that—plain. And while Mellencamp doesn’t quite shift into full “spoken word” territory, he does veer heavily toward message over melody. That alone might make some longtime fans a bit uneasy. After all, this is the same guy who’s been known to rant, gripe, and whine his way through many a record, usually with one political axe to grind or another. Fortunately, that side of Mellencamp is mostly absent here. This time around, the lyrics are more reflective than reactionary.
That’s not to say there’s joy to be found. Mellencamp will never be accused of making a happy record. What we get instead are the musings of a man now well into his 60s, looking back—and around—with equal parts weariness and acceptance. The themes are familiar: regret, resilience, disillusionment, maybe even a flicker of peace now and then. But as thoughtful as the words may be, the music too often feels like an afterthought.
The melodies are stripped down, understated, and often just a little too subdued. There aren’t many hooks to grab onto, and most of the album drifts by without much fanfare. It’s not “bad” by any stretch—it just feels a little sluggish, as if Mellencamp himself is merely going through the motions. You get the sense that these songs meant something to him, but they never quite manage to mean much to the listener.
Things do pick up a bit near the end. The closing trio—Blue Charlotte, The Courtesy of Kings, and Lawless Times—is the most compelling stretch of the whole record, offering a glimpse of the sharp, soulful songwriter still buried in there somewhere. Odd choice to tuck them all at the back, considering most folks may have mentally checked out long before they arrive.
It should also be said: if you haven’t seen Mellencamp live in recent years, be warned. His shows are now almost entirely comprised of later-era material, and he’s made it clear he’s done with the hits. That’s his right, of course, but it does come off a little smug when you think about the fans who helped him climb to the top in the first place.
All told, Plain Spoken is exactly what it promises. It sounds like a record made by a man who’s said most of what he wanted to say and is now just trying to say it one last time—quietly, and without a whole lot of fuss. Not essential, but not without its charms.
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