First time hearing John Mellencamp "Hurts So Good" Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@teensymom1420]

You just can't imagine how big this song was back in '82. I live in Indiana and we were all so proud of John!

[@johnnielson4341]

His name is John Mellencamp. He took the "stage name" John Cougar because his agent told him to. After he became successful he reverted to his actual name.

[@Barb5001]

Yeah, you have to give him credit for that at least

[@friendme12345]

He came out at same time Def Leppard hit the states and Johnny Cougar was the "American" answer to Def (Not Jeff) Leppard...LOL

[@FURTHER_ADO]

Didn't they go with Cougar bc they wanted to make him in the image of James Dean? Which I never understood what cougar had to do with Dean but I'm pretty sure I saw that on a biography of his.

[@scottreacher4620]

I love seeing Asia getting into music. Man John looks so young there....man, I'm getting old.

[@markbiggs6302]

My wife and I got married in 1982 while this song was on the charts. It remains one of our favorites to this day. You ain't as green as you are young!

[@AnthonyL0401]

Congrats on 40 years

[@juliewhite7469]

You nailed it ! He actually had a hit called "Small Town" 😊

[@kimzwolinski9919]

I get what you are saying Asia. I think they both kept true to their roots is a part of it. Bob is in another league to me but he comes from and still lives in Michigan not too far away from me. He is very beloved especially here ❤

[@dipsydoodle7988]

John was such a hit machine. You can dive deep down this rabbit hole. He's got so much great music.

[@athos1974]

"Rain on the Scarecrow". One of Mellencamp's best songs.

[@coachmark82]

Hell yeah

[@jasoncarpenter7488]

My beautiful best friend of 25 years is a Black woman. 20 years ago we went on a road trip from Ohio to California. On our way to Cali she picked the music on the way back it was my turn. My first choice was John! She was hooked from the very first time listening to John! She said it was the hand claps that he incorporates into his music. Her exact words....You know us Black folk love the hand claps😂❤

[@nitab1971]

You're right about him sounding so "hometown". He's an Indiana man through and through.

[@joemonk957]

When he first came out, they told him Mellencamp wouldn't sell any records. when he got big he wanted his name back.

[@mariebishop7357]

Asia,I do agree with you Mellencamp and Seger's voices both have that gritty edge to them. And honestly, their style of music isn't that different. Just a different generation.

[@jek4837]

As the story goes, it all just originated around Mellencamp hearing or saying the phrase "hurts so good", and it was just catchy to him. He and a friend just wrote it really quickly revolving around the phrase and the hook. I don't think there's any other artist who gives you that nostalgic, midwest, small town vibes that have you thinking back to younger days.

[@Laurawhite-x9x]

Bob seger same vibe he grew up in Michigan and never left his hometown they sing about that life in a small blue collar town

[@138NastyNate]

Asia is right def get Seger vibes with his voice...Its that smokey gravel sound they both have. And they both are great American song writers/story tellers.

[@willasacco9898]

I always felt that those two were coming from the same place, geographically and thematically.

[@Cherazny]

I loved this song and still do. John Mellencamp was the man back in the 80's. R-O-C-K in the USA. I NEED A LOVER. CHERRY BOMB. PINK HOUSES. KEY WEST INTERMEZZO. He even remade UNDER THE BOARDWALK. HE has the same vibe as Bob Seeger.

[@surlechapeau]

Asia & BJ, you'll love his "Pink Houses", "I Need A Lover" and "Wild Night" !!!

[@jamieduncan6346]

YES!!! They'd LOVE "I Need A Lover"

[@traduseuse5895]

Wild Night is a must!

[@NativeNYerChicHK]

And “Ain’t Even Done With The Night” ♥️

[@billallen1307]

And many more of the old one that were only album cuts.

[@anntelford8647]

The record label didn't like John's last name, so they renamed him John Cougar. He hated the name. I believe his next album was John Cougar Mellencamp. He ditched the "Cougar" shortly after that.

[@kajones316]

Love JCM! I always relate John Cougar, Bob Seger, and Springsteen. Not that they sound like any of the others...but they each had this earthy, soulful, spirited sound that really couldn't be put into a category. Kind of rock, a little bit of country or folk, a little blues, and plenty of soul. And each had grit and an unapologetic authenticity.

[@Indy1831]

“Crumblin Down” “Pink houses” Pop Singer” “Rain on the Scarecrow” Paper in fire” are just a few of his many hits…….Great live performer……John is from my home state of Indiana where he still lives.

[@kimberlinibambini1988]

My guy grew up in Indiana by John- He played with him in a jam session at a party one night- (My guy plays bass and guitar- ) John obviously went on to music,my feller joined the military-🙂💖💙🤘🏼

[@brianwilson7314]

John Mellencamp is from a small Midwest town (Seymour, Indiana). He put that town on the map with "Small Town" and "Pink Houses". Most of his 80's videos were shot in small town America.

[@revaflowers3115]

John was raised in rural Indiana.He sings mostly about rural America and growing up there.

[@berniceanne4959]

Such a great song! Many have their opinions about songs from the 80s but how lucky were you if you got to live it as I did 💕

[@G-grandma_Army]

Can’t remember what you’ve reacted to. “Authority Song”, “Jack and Diane”, “Cherry Bomb”, “Pink Houses” … a few suggestions ;) Is Asia sees this… I have a question. Did you write your song, Medicine? I love it.

[@juliewhite7469]

Pink Houses is my absolute favorite 💓

[@paulapowers781]

Yesss

[@oldgoat9227]

Also one of the nicest, down to Earth guys you will ever meet. Came from a small town in Indiana and still acts like the same as before he was famous.

[@heartofgold79]

I love this song!! Its one of those songs that gets you up wanting to dance!! Brings back memories of childhood forsure!! 😎❤🎵🎵🎵🎤

[@G-grandma_Army]

Well, not my childhood (my children’s childhood), but it takes me back, for sure! 😂

[@vickiconley3638]

This is a must on digging deeper! Johns the man on memories of growing up! My high school days. Love him. A long list of hits. Must do, please, Authority Song, Pink houses, and R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. please you too. There are so so many others. Thanks.

[@jerickson725]

I love John Mellencamp. What I've heard is that his label wanted him to go by John Cougar. Then he changed it to John Cougar Mellencamp, then eventually to John Mellencamp (His real name), because he didn't like the "Cougar" name they insisted on early on. He has so many great songs. In 1982 my friends and I were all pretending we were "Diane" when we were blaring Jack and Diane in our dorm room. YES ASIA, I see what you're saying about the Bob Segar sound. I agree 😊🧡.

[@joeponder2721]

He is from Central Indiana Bob Seager is from Detroit Both in the mid-west & this was from the 80s

[@dagmar.6954]

John's style of singing or genre is called heartland rock as he sang a lot about blue-collar, farmers & truckers themes. He has had so many hits especially in the 80's such as "Hurts So Good", "Jack & Diane", "Crumblin' Down", "Pink Houses", "Lonely Ol' Night", "Small Town", "R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A.", "Paper &n Fire", "Cherry Bomb" etc.

[@juliewhite7469]

Great suggestions!! Add Authority Song, Wild Nights

[@theresehill1660]

Mellencamp is from Indiana And Bob Seger is our Michigan man!

[@carollittle1059]

He had great hits!

[@lindalancaster6833]

Y'all should really listen to "Small Town" by John Mellancamp! My favorite by him cause I live in a small town myself.

[@lauralebel3195]

he grew up in a small town in Indiana that is why most of his songs seem to have a feel for small town life

[@michaeloesterle6652]

Small Town, Pink Houses, Cherry Bomb, Paper in Fire, all great songs by Mellencamp.

[@richardhenderson9767]

"Authority Song", "Your Life Is Now", and "Eden Is Burning", are 3 of the best songs....😀❤❤❤

[@kenperk9854]

John was in the new wave of 70s entertainers in the late 70s. The 70s had their fingers in EVERYTHING!!!😁😅

[@livelaughandlovelong]

He is a great live performer too.

[@rinagrey2478]

Mellencamp is his family name and he just wanted to reclaim it according to him 😘

[@BoxerRick]

This is still just a fun song! And y’all made it more fun. Bless you kids

[@laurenhuntsinger9170]

He was one of the few, during the MTV days, that did this simple kind of video. His music didn't need all of the MTV hype videos.

[@GS-xt8fu]

John cougar was the name that he took as they said it sounded good and he was young..more of a ring “stage name” As he got back to the farm life in Indiana with his family and he had more control over what he did. His real name is John Mellencamp. He put it back on. The crazy thing is John was an art school for a long time when he was young and his true love his painting. Check out some of his paintings he’s not just someone who wants to paint this guy is really really good and some of his paintings could sell for tons of money

[@glennb2227]

John Mellencamp was all about his small town in Indiana, and in general. In fact, one of his later hits was called "Small Town", which was all about his life in a small town. BJ was spot on with that observation. Asia was spot on with the small similarity to Bob Seger too.

[@tedcole9936]

Gotta go with Asia on this -Seger and Mellencamp -a couple Midwestern guys with a bit of rasp and small town sensibilities. Them Night Moves can Hurt So Good.

[@MusicLover-wo7ig]

Exactly, Ted! They are both Blue Collar Rockers that write songs that the everyday man can easily relate.

[@maryhuhnke8496]

Bob Segar NOT Seeger!!

[@tedcole9936]

@@maryhuhnke8496 Thanks much for the correction-Shame on me, and I’m from Michigan! BTW, it’s Seger, not Segar. Lol we all make mistakes.

[@mneugent7658]

You have got to check out his song "Check It Out". Its John Mellencamp. He went by the stage name Cougar, didn't want to, and when he had power he went to Cougar Mellencamp, and then just his real name Mellencamp.

[@SirLuciferVampiro]

It just basically means it's better to love than not to love.....Even the pain and heartache of love is still good pain. It's part of being human, so accept it and embrace it....

[@charobarnes2215]

“Wild Nights” is a must!!! Him and Mechelle Ndego Ochello! (I’ll need to edit the spelling of her name. Lol) 😂 It’s so AMAZING!!! 👍🏽

[@bpalmer3421]

He was born in Seymour Indiana which is a small town. Which his Song Small Town is a must. He had a gig called the Cougarettes when he started playing. So used John Cougar when he moved up to the big stage. When he finally went to his real name Mellencamp. You'll see the first album with the name change was Cougar Melllencamp. After that it's been all Mellencamp. Hurt So Good is when he was just John Cougar!!! We need to hear more from him!!!

[@siouxzanne64]

He’s a (Hoosier) Indiana guy. Seen him in concert more than anyone. Still rockin in the USA at 70

[@stevepincombe3836]

Record company said Mellencamp wouldn't sell. Hence Cougar. When he got control back, he used his real name. Great lineup tonight. If all my fingers were thumbs, they all would be up.

[@johnthegreek5836]

John Mellencamp is awesome and this was one of his first hit songs! Asia, I can see some of Bob Seger in his voice

[@hilarywilkes7853]

Love him! He is like the true all American boy next door. Cool, down to earth, amazing! 👏🏼

[@CCDzine]

It's like when Nissan first sold cars in the United States they thought the name sounded too Japanese so they came up with Datsun. At some point they decided to use the Nissan name in the U.S. but they transitioned folks into it. So the badges on the cars went from Datsun to Datsun by Nissan, the Nissan with a smaller Datsun below, and finally Nissan.

[@lynhaynie4340]

rain on the scarecrow is another great one if you haven't reacted to it it!

[@debrazertuche936]

He did interview once and said when he made this song he made it with a friend of his that was black and he told that friend if this song ever goes to number one I'm going to come find you and give you half of your part of the money and he was good to his word and he did just that he's a good man

[@williampatton8749]

All of his videos were filmed in Indiana, which is the place he still lives, Bloomington, Indiana

[@thecottagemouse2713]

Asia is into John lolll Like I have been for 30 years. Terrific. He is one of my favorite singers of all time.

[@michaelterry3885]

John Mellencamp is the man...! Love his 🎶 style and his jams 🎸..!!!

[@michaeldavis5610]

Nice choice,thank you.If you haven't already done the Authority Song,check it out

[@salmuscles]

Asia you are correct... I always thought bob and John had the same small town sound ....

[@metalmark1214]

Warning: There is a Cougar in the Mellon Camp, lol.

[@lem01ne]

This video was filmed in the old Covered Bridge Cafe in Medora, Indiana. Back in its day it belonged to my friend's great aunt.

[@friendme12345]

Asia can really sing...wow

[@Seanriver316]

Whip me, beat me, make me write bad checks.

[@KH6DAN]

He started out like a David Bowie kind of "glam" rocker, but changed over the the "Mid Western USA" kind of persona and never looked back. He went by John Cougar since his manager suggested. But later came clean with his real family name adding it to the end of John Cougar. Then dropping the Cougar all together. Check your scorecards.

[@Jd-im4my]

This was my intro to John Cougar when I was going into Junior High School. Good times!!!

[@angelaevans4362]

John is a small town guy. My home state of Indiana. I believe he still lives where or near where he grew up.

[@donaldbrunner6250]

This is his first big hit. You should check out his new song "Wasted Days" he collaborated with Bruce Springsteen on it. If you haven't done any of his stiff you should go down the rabbit hole of Bruce "The Boss" Springsteen.

[@bakercarl8518]

Hey, hitting on my of my favorites. YES!!! I have his complete collection and some old posters.

[@ChrisHaar]

You described him perfectly when you said "Small Town America." Check out "Small Town" and "Little Pink Houses." You'll dig them both.

[@Cindy7973]

BJ said it gives him smalltown vibes. He has a song named Smalltown. You wont be disappointed.

[@kenleevey9723]

He is from small town Indiana!

[@mellie7583]

when he first started he changed his last name to cougar but the late 80s he changed it back to his real last name witch is Mellencamp

[@pleutron]

I want a full album of Asia Covers.

[@carriemichelle322]

This song was in the soundtrack of "Footloose" with Kevin Bacon. Great 80's movie!!

[@daniellittle830]

He seems like it's effortless like he's holding a beer bottle partying with his friends. Just good old American rock and roll

[@Laurawhite-x9x]

John sang about small town rural America Most of his videos were shot in the small farming town he grew up and still lives in , in Indiana

[@joanmayfield4791]

LIsten to *John Mellencamp and Me'shell Ndegeocello Wild Nights* for the real mellencamp and the distinctive sound mix he's known for. not the recording with the model - the one that features Me'shell.

[@jonmcn1970]

One cool thing about this video is that back in the 80's when every other video showed all this ultra fashionable people, and he showed all these proudly unfashionable middle americans, God bless him

[@justmoose6534]

I agree Seger and Mellencamp are similar. Both midwestern rockers with similar styles. .

[@markbaker3013]

Thank you for sharing this with me

[@jbsskid]

My favorite by him pink houses ! Great song to get down to 🤣💖

[@friendme12345]

JCM is Americana...gotta love it...pure Midwest Country-Rock

[@bobschenkel7921]

JCM and his biker buddies cruising around small town Indiana, making a tough sounding love song. Damn, I miss the 80's. Can't believe I said that.

[@DeansMayhem]

I agree there is a flavor of Bob Segar in John's voice and music.

[@malkamusik]

It's Mr Middle America himself. Such a great career worth exploring.

[@joepimentel306]

Good to see you guys doing the original videos!

[@jeannieschmidt2217]

This will forever be my favourite JCM song.

[@denisef1684]

I know exactly what you are saying Asia!!!! You are not alone at all!!!

[@jaycordner3890]

One of those true feel good songs

[@kevincaulder96]

You need to watch John Mellencamp tell you about fame in CRUMBLIN' DOWN. When suddenly became successful and see your face everywhere, from newspapers and magazines, to television and videos. And then watch him burn through PAPER IN FIRE. I love that song! Especially his sharing it with the people in the video. Asia. Listen to Bob Seger sing THE FIRE DOWN BELOW. If that doesn't get you going I don't know what will.

[@Mona.555]

You can’t sit still when Hurt’s So Good is on. Love his music. Prolific storyteller about life in real America.

[@sjk5763]

Couple more to check out. "Paper in Fire" video and "Check It Out" live video.

[@tinanickerson1006]

Yep the gritty voices of Bob Seger and John are very similiar....good stuff you guys rock!!

[@mredible475]

John’s record company at the time added cougar. He went with his birth name in later years Mellencamp.

[@billspivey6919]

Yep. From my youth.

[@dorathocker4575]

I remember melloncamp in his pop days getting notable flack from some political groups who objected to some of his lyrics. He often sang about the joy of being young, feeling young, good ole days. It sounds ridiculous, but I guess these groups felt insulted that aging isn't always fun. Anyway, that just shows how influential Mr Melloncamp really was at the time.

[@rogeroran2911]

This was when he was still going by John Cougar. It was a stage name. He hated it. When he started getting more recognition he changed his next album to John Cougar Mellencamp. After that it’s John Mellencamp which is his last name. He just wanted to be known for who he is, not some made up name that “sounded” better.

[@ramondwilliam1307]

" Hand to hold on to " is a good one by John.