Search - John Mellencamp :: Dance Naked (Rpkg)

Great Mellencamp album that deserves some props

Leo Navarr | Donner Pass, California | 10/04/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Amazingly, The 1994 release of Mellencamp's "Dance Naked" was written and recorded in a mere 14 days. Mellencamp claimed at the time that the record company told him that the previous album (Human Wheels) was showing some straying from the direction they wanted him to go. As an artist of Americana Rock with a contemporary feel, Mellencamp never felt his music should be fitting a specific sound or feel, but be able to tell a story and have some imagination to it.



Dance Naked won't ever garner the commercial and critical acclaim that his past albums like "American Fool" did, but that doesn't mean it should be overlooked. The opening title track is a catchy, smashing hit with some eclectic guitar accompanied by John's scratchy yet soothing vocals. The song Brothers is every bit a family themed affair which showcase a songwriting style that hits home. Track 3 is "When Margaret Comes to town" and is more of the upbeat, modern day small town song that Mellencamp is known for. The Van Morrison cover of "Wild Night" is a classic all by itself, and one would not think anyone else could pull this off with such flair until you hear it.



The album rounds out with a little ditty called "The Breakout" and although by the last three songs the album seems to be waning a bit in terms of consistency, it was being told he was not being consistent that led to this recording in the first place. The remastered CD also features an acoustic version of "Wild Night" for a bonus track, and though it really doesn't sound different enough to prove it should be here, Dance Naked is still a good album. Mellencamp's music tells a story and is also every bit as fun, although if some were reading the title of the album and getting ideas, perhaps a "Don't try this except at home" label should be applied.

"

Stark Naked

Thomas Magnum | NJ, USA | 07/28/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"1994's Dance Naked was a surprise release by John Mellencamp. The album was released only a few months after Human wheels and was spurred on by his biggest hit of the 90's, the Van Morrison cover "Wild Night". Me'shell NdegeOcello duets with Mr. Mellencamp and her pulsating bass provides a strong backbone to the song. The party atmosphere of that song is in sharp contrast to the rest of the album. The album's title is appropriate as the other songs are barer in nature. The title track, "Another Sunny Day 12/25", "L.U.V." and "The Big Jack" are especially strong. Coupled with Human Wheels, Dance Naked finds Mr. Mellencamp having a willingness to expose his emotional self to the public."

OK Album With a Few Good Cuts

J. Martin | Pittsburgh, PA | 02/07/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"It was said that Mellencamp ripped this album out in record time - this album was released fast on the heels of his "Human Wheels" album - a few good cuts ("Brothers", Dance Naked", "Wild Night", "L.U.V.") mixed in with a couple of clunkers"