ANTHEM! 🎵 John Mellencamp - R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A. REACTION

[@aussierob3860]

Probably the only song I’ve heard that pays homage to all kinds of music and all kinds of people. If we had more music like this we’d have more harmony.

[@michelleplombe7019]

"American Music" by The Blasters

[@lantose]

And music with guitars, basses and real drums to enhance said harmony!

[@JAMESMOORE-gq4vv]

BETWEEN A LAUGH AND A TEAR is my favorite John song.

[@mikecaetano]

Shout out songs were a lot more common back when. A fun way to get a quick history of sixties soul music is to check out Arthur Conley "Sweet Soul Music" from 1967. It's packed full of shout outs to the greats of that era. As for the list of shout outs in this song -- Frankie Lymon, Bobby Fuller, Mitch Ryder, Jackie Wilson, Shangri-las, Young Rascals, Martha Reeves, and James Brown -- here's a listing with some of their hits: Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers "Why Do Fools Fall In Love" and "I'm Not a Juvenile Delinquent"; Bobby Fuller Four "I Fought The Law", "Let Her Dance", and "Loves Made A Fool Of You"; Mitch Ryder "Little Latin Lupe Lu", "Devil With The Blue Dress On-Good Golly Miss Molly", "C.C. Rider - Jenny Take A Ride", and "Turn on Your Lovelight"; Jackie Wilson "Lonely Teardrops" and "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher"; The Shangri-Las "Leader Of The Pack", "Remember (Walkin In The Sand)", and "Out In The Streets"; The Rascals "Good Lovin", "Groovin", "I've Been Lonely Too Long", and "A Beautiful Morning"; Martha Reeves & the Vandellas "Dancing In The Street", "(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave", and "Nowhere to Run"; James Brown "I Got You (I Feel Good)", "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag", "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" and "Night Train".

[@jhood758]

Very good 👍🏽!!!

[@lantose]

A usual comment for JM, as his music will always stand the test of time! That was a great album, as all of them were! He is just so down to earth!

[@Gnomojo]

I’m backlogging most of your old foo fighters videos and what I’ve noticed is - you guys have been at this for like 2 years and your video format has never changed. Despite being wildly popular you don’t have a “like subscribe and hit the bell” intro. Or “this video is sponsored by so and so”. You do that stuff at the end where it belongs. You guys keep it real and that’s what I appreciates about you. All the best to Lex’s health and the baby to be. And you too Brad. You guys are wonderful. Thank you for bringing joy to so many people.

[@josephgrijalva9395]

yes. this is a good post. i agree. they are the kindest, most honest, consistent "celebs" i've seen in a while. and they are great at what they do. God Bless You 3.

[@randytorres8211]

"R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A." is subtitled "A Salute to '60s Rock," and despite Mellencamp's feeling that "I don't think people are getting the idea of what the song's about, so I must've not done a very good job," the song became a big hit. It tells the story of how rock and roll emerged in America, and how those (now infamous) musicians that were not afraid to take personal risks for the sake of their music became a strong influence on the next generation, including Mellencamp, who sings: "[They] filled our head full of dreams, turned the world upside down." Growing up, Mellencamp listened to AM radio at a time when the same station would play a mix of styles, exposing him to rock, folk, soul and R&B at an early age. In the lyrics to the song, Mellencamp name-drops several artists, particularly Frankie Lymon, Bobby Fuller, Mitch Ryder, Jackie Wilson, Shangra La's, Young Rascals, Martha Reeves and James Brown. These are references to the artists and bands that shaped his sound and influenced his early music. In this way, Mellencamp was paying homage, but he was also paying his dues. For example, the late Bobby Fuller's mention on a Top 10 song, and a platinum album, was enough to revive flagging interest in the artist (as well as get Mellencamp a credit on a Bobby Fuller Four Best-Of album). Said Mellencamp: "When I played in Albuquerque, I think it was, his [Fuller's] mom and some of his family came down to see me play. They acted like I gave them 60 million dollars just for mentioning his name. They gave me his belt that he died in." This song forms part of a greater genre of songs that spell out words in the lyrics, like Otis Redding's song "Respect" (made famous by Aretha Franklin) or "Lola" by the Kinks. Mellencamp's title wasn't too far from Bruce Springsteen's "Born In The U.S.A.," released a year earlier. That song was often misinterpreted as a celebration of America, when it was really about the plight of a Vietnam War veteran. In keeping with '60s hit single tradition, Mellencamp kept this song under three minutes long - it clocks in at 2:54. (Songfacts.com)

[@dipsydoodle7988]

John had a talent for creating music that makes whole stadiums want to sing along to.

[@kimberlinibambini1988]

Fun fact- my boyfriend of 28 years, grew up in Indiana near John- My guy and his brother had a band and the played quite a few venues in the area. They were at a house party one night and JCM was there. They jammed together. My guy decided to go into the military and the rest is history- 🤷🏻‍♀️ My guy can play a few instruments but his main thing is bass and electric/acoustic guitar. He wrote me a song an sang it onto a cassette for me when we met in 1994.😍

[@joedonlewis9820]

I like John because he represented the heartland. I'm not from there but I like the vibe.

[@Proud.American58]

So glad you finally got around to this. Now please check out his songs “Rain on the Scarecrow” and “Down and Out in Paradise”

[@jgefroh6692]

He mentioned Mitch Ryder , you ought to take a listen to him…. Devil with the blue dress on!

[@rev.hollywood8942]

The studio sounds with the drummer counting the band in at the top of the song are a wonderful touch on the original track. It's easy to find on any music service, and I think you'll enjoy hearing it.

[@surlechapeau]

Brad & Lex, you'll love his "I Need A Lover" !!!

[@beaubradley2171]

Yes, but you absolutely have to do a lyric video because you cannot understand what he’s singing!! My favorite artist but his early music had a lot of lyrics that were impossible to decipher without the lyrics right in front of you!!!

[@darraghkelly1121]

Kenny Aronoff going crack, boom, bam. One of my favorite drummers.

[@beaubradley2171]

Always love me some Mellencamp!!! Great singer/songwriter!!!

[@mar10rod38]

That WAS actual old footage of those artists from the 60's that they made to look like they were singing and dancing to his song.

[@cynthiafox2541]

I was going to say the same thing!

[@qhl5579]

Pat Benetar, recorded John's song, I think he wrote it, Ineed a lover. Both versions on the charts about the same time.

[@duanemcfate3119]

Absolutely my favorite from him it rock's ✌️

[@TheMkamix]

It's hard not to love John Mellencamp.

[@827dusty]

After last week's little stunt at the football game, it's very to dislike this phony SOB.

[@robertzimmerman2513]

You really should react to Martha Reeves and the Vandellas they had several hits and Motown’s Anthem for the sound of young America, Dancing In The Street!

[@andreadeamon6419]

My daughter did this song when she was in high school. Then she was also singing for Baldwin Wallace college. Her and 3 other girls did the cool part of the vocals.

[@ShreddFly]

Hey guys what's up! R o c k in the USA! Yeah yeah Rocking In The USA! You guys rock! God bless you! Peace!

[@donaldgilbreath4200]

Yeah, we used to adlib our own letters when singing along.

[@bobschenkel7921]

J.C. Mellencamp knows how to write catchy rock and roll songs, that have a sense of nostalgia.

[@josephgrijalva9395]

John Released his 1st album as John Cougar. after his success he asked to and got his real name back into his fame.

[@davidteller7681]

He TOOK his name back.

[@Zebred2001]

This was used in the Danny DeVito movie Renaissance Man (1994).

[@SilentBob731]

A true Rock Anthem. Mellencamp is a Legend. 👍🤘🤟✌

[@maluorno]

Sweet Evening Breeze

[@jollyrodgers7272]

The expression - "In a Minute" , as "Haven't heard that in a minute" is what is known as an 'Understatement'.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Awesome

[@Cookies_crumbs]

OK, one of the artists he mentioned: Martha Reeves & the Vandellas . Try probably their best known song “Dancing in the Street.” A huge hit in 1964.

[@islandiron]

I honestly believe that Lex should’ve born decades earlier, period.

[@tonkatoy3636]

Maestro Fresh Wes - Let Your Backbone Slide

[@brockbeckstedt6483]

WOW! Such a body moving and grooven song and such an American song right? Then a must check out same tempo and another American rock song by Night Ranger 'You can still rock in America" great for kicking any night out with these so great playing in the back ground, and loud for sure!

[@memorast]

Some people like to collect vinyl records because they think the music sounds better….. its because the music was better!!!!

[@daviddragavon7555]

Mellencamp is right. Lo, in the beginning, there was just AM POP radio in your car radio (I knew all the bands mentioned), and they played EVERY body. Country Cross Over, British Invasion bands, Beach Boys, Mirch Ryder (and the Detroit Wheels), Motown & Staxx records alongside tunes coming out from Nashville and Sun records 😎. All that diversity right there on one station! Literally "Dancing in the Streets " FM, when it first appeared, were sort of secret mystical places...where you heard album cuts, and songs more than 3 minutes long, great artists that could not find an AM audience and maybe...jazz.

[@RICHIEV333]

Most cover bands play "What I Like About You," and "R.O.C.K in the USA" as a medley. If the song sounds familiar you may have heard "What I like about You." By the way, I don't think either band copied the other but the two songs rhythms do sound the same.

[@jeffdetmer4681]

Hi guys. Don't know if you ever saw a Danny Devito movie called Renaissance Man, but this song was used in that movie, and I'm sure in others.

[@joetaffaro100]

You two are funny , thanks for the smile when I watch ~ love the show ~ love the heavy stuff, Sabbath especially . In my opinion as a 60 year old left over pot smokin hippie - you should delve into early Mowtown and the blues - If You want your head to explode with the appreciation of talents! those folks had major influence on the birth of Soul - subsequently the things you are now discovering. Thank you the Fun. God bless

[@galenstone9097]

Kenny Aronoff here. Terrific drummer

[@rodb9275]

My 2 favorites of his are "Ain't Even Done With the Night", and "Cumblin' Down". If you haven't done either one, I think you should!

[@patrickcain1455]

He was a hit machine

[@debrabeck9630]

They do a lot of shoutouts. As for Martha (Reeves) and the Vandellas, listen to Dancing in the streets. It’s great.

[@genefoltzer551]

He mentioned Mitch Ryder (and the Detroit Wheels) and Martha & the Vandella's. Check them both out. Oh and The Rascals (Good Lovin, Lonely Too Long)

[@mikegames3464]

This song was the movie soundtrack for the movie Renaissance Man with Danny Devito

[@rreichar1]

Great reaction! You should react “Rain on the Scarecrow” by Mellencamp. One of my favorites.

[@donk026]

Check out John Mellencamp's Scarecrow and also Ain't even done with the night. My 2 favorites.

[@tylerkay3]

Martha Reeves and the Vandellas sang- Heat Wave, Dancin' in the Syreet and No where to run.....

[@brokenmummy232]

The Rascals "Grovin" check it out you will know instantly LEX it was your parent's music and you will love it.

[@Shiby23]

The song rhythem and sound is very similar to "thats what i like about you" by The Romantics. might be why it sounds familiar!

[@markschwieterman2296]

Saw him live in the 90s put on a good show also might want too check scarecrow play the whole album

[@jamesu1540]

Lol this song

[@jeroldderushia9168]

Hey, I just watched an episode. (s22 e03) and the main characters were a couple named Brad and Lex.

[@chrisdonahue4205]

Speaks my language love all these types doesn't make a difference who did it if it's good it's good

[@Rjs3611]

You guys need to do some reactions to some of the music groups he mentioned I think you would really appreciate enjoy it.

[@EverydayEvan]

My favorite John Cougar Mellencamp song is either The Authority Song or I Ain't Even Done With The Night.

[@FantomWireBrian]

John wrote the song "Pop singer" which trashed what he was influenced by. Many times by him are Pop and I think when Petty and others were burning Disco LPs he was right on board . His was came tumbling down to me after that . 😎

[@FantomWireBrian]

His wall came tumbling down after his release of " Pop singer " 😎

[@vanhouten7377]

Aretha Franklin, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas are a couple people mentioned in the song

[@KWP1111]

John made a great album in 2017 sad clowns and hillbillies. Try the song Grandview. It's different from his usual. Pretty hard and gritty

[@nldadabo]

Yeah!…it should sound VERY familiar. Just watch and listen to the KZbin video “What I like about you/Rock in the USA mashup video! It’s virtually the same song!

[@brockbeckstedt6483]

Brad get use to it, Lex's responces for now she will always answer to you is in a minute, Lex should copyright that phrase (Brad phrase)Remember Brad when you ask Lex about dinner the responce will be " in a minute" words of advice, RUN! 😝🤣

[@bruceday4036]

Aretha! Franklin! Lol

[@Dave_D.]

'Rumbleseat'!!

[@bdmention]

"In a minute means nothing."...ha

[@quincee3376]

Great choice to react to.

[@atuuschaaw]

♥

[@jamesfry1878]

Hey !! Fun to listen ..try “ can I call you tonight”!!!

[@Agg1E91]

While we're on the subject of R.O.C.K-ing in the USA, you should check out "You Can Still Rock In America" by Night Rannger.

[@matthewdrake4385]

I'm not sure if you've covered these guys yet or before, but if you like Mellencamp, check out Bruce Springsteen and Bob Seger out as well. Mellencamp is a country boy from middle America who was inspired by folk, garage bands and artists like the Beatles and the Stones, with a touch of r&b and soul.

[@larrywalling4682]

😎👍

[@martinsv9183]

Check out "Sha-Boom - R.O.C.K"

[@aaronarnold7653]

Aretha gets no R E S P E C t...lol

[@AbsentNewMoths]

THE LIBERTINES - HEART OF THE MATTER PLSSSSS

[@co131086]

Speaking of Anthem, although JCM made a lot of money singing about America, and is a big part of live farm-aid he refuses to stand for the National Anthem at Football games. He of course has that right it just seems strange coming from him. I wasn't even going to post this until I saw the word ANTHEM in all caps.

[@timbungarner3842]

His one album was pretty good, then his music got kind of dark, to me, he got in to helping the farmers, and his music turned to that cause

[@jerryarcher1923]

You should checkout some Billy Joe Royal.

[@allenpierce4575]

king of a parody of bruce springsteen born in the usa but a faster beat to it

[@kathleenvaughn3630]

Martha Reeves and the Vandellas?

[@jeffmorrison2147]

John Cougar Melloncamp Play Guitar

[@davidwalker683]

Try- authority song

[@jeffreyhobbs8603]

Aretha Franklin?!!!!!! 🤨

[@Austinite333]

Not sure you two have done a reaction to this live performance by The Who but I think you’ll like it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKO1q4djjNKfmKM

[@jamesfry1878]

Sorry it’s by “dayglow”

[@JapatiYTP]

Sw

[@jovanisanfemio7641]

OMG !! Again " I think it's in a movie" ??!! STOP PLEASE!!

[@Herbert04]

I always liked his music. But the truth is he sings about small town America but his politics destroys small twon America. He can't even stand for the Nation Anthem.

[@chuckwalsh2270]

Listen to Jerry Doucette mama let him play from early 80's great rock song

[@Montyliciuos69]

Got to listen to "I Need a Lover" By JCM FULL VERSION 👍🏻👍🏻🇦🇺