Customer Reviews

Whenever We Wanted

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Fans of classic John Mellencamp (Scarecrow, American Fool, Uh-Huh) should grab this album. He had some albums that just didn't measure up around this time, but this is the exception, with John reverting to his classic rock and roll approach. Not quite as good as Scarecrow, but still worthy of lots of listens.

I have always liked the variety of hits that John has released over the years, but this is the only album of his that I own. From front to back this is his best effort in my opinion. He returns to his rock roots, but with a more mature approach. After all the experiments with various sounds, instruments, and styles, this album sounds as if he and his band locked themselves in a garage and just jammed. Simple in-your-face guitars and good lyrics all the way through. If you only want to spend money on 2 of John Mellencamp's catalog, get his greatest hits and then get this one.

After his best album ever (Big Daddy), Mellencamp followed it up with this waste of time. Apparently he tried to regain the hard rocking sound he had with earlier efforts (Uh Huh and American Fool), but whereas those albums had great tunes, Whenever We Wanted is just a mangle of hard guitar sounds.
The opening track, "Love and Happiness" is probably memorable with its political commentary, and "Get a Leg Up" got some radio play, but the album as a whole is quite forgettable. This one and Mr. Happy Go Lucky are two Mellencamp albums I wish he hadn't made.

For me, John Mellencamp's always been a great, straight-forward, no-nonsense songwriter, who was also capable of creating incredibly thoughtful music at the same time.

"Whenever We Wanted" is a nice balance between the two - there's some great, harder-edged rock, and some more subtle material too... all of it done with heart - as you would expect.

Overall, you couldn't ask for a better rock album - great performances by the band, heart-felt vocals from Mellencamp, done with complete sincerity and soul, and some great songwriting. Mellencamp's fans are his fans for one real reason: the honesty comes shining through everything he does. And his uncompromising attitude towards creating quality music (that earned him the "Little Bastard" nickname) is evident here - his stamp's clearly "visible" on every song, and it's all done with a truckload of heart.

I've been a fan since I saw him on Don Kirschner's Rock Concert in 1977 or so. This is my favorite album of his...just brilliant songwriting and top-notch playing...especially Kenny Aaronoff.

Ever since "Scarecrow" back in 1985, John (don't call me Johnny Cougar) Mellencamp has settled into a comfortable groove producing solid if not often spectacular heartland rock albums. "Whenever We Wanted" is as typical as a Mellencamp album gets. You take a few obvious hit singles ("Get a Leg Up," "Now More Than Ever," "Last Chance") surround them with songs about relationships ("Love and Happiness," "Again Tonight") and the occasional non-threatening social commentary ("Melting Pot") stir in a backing band of crack professional musicians with that signature Mellencamp sound and PRESTO.

The fact that Mellencamp makes it look so easy is part of why I think he often doesn't get the credit he deserves as a major artist. His longevity is the product an enormous talent. Just because he has refused to burn out doesn't mean he ought to fade away, and its a tough in the music business not to do one or the other.

Overall, a solid album from a dependable veteran rocker.

I love how John takes EACH AND EVERY song, "TO THE CORE" of his agressions and expressions, and opinions too. I totally love, and can relate to the entire album. I believe these songs were an essential instrument used for my path of evolving. Ever-so needed on my part too! So, THANK-YOU SO MUCH! John Cougar Mellencamp!You are, "So Tough"!

This is far and away JM's most fun album. I am not sure if there had ever, and ever will be, a fun cd like this from the man. IT doesn't take itself too seriously, which is unusual from Mellencamp. Somehow, he managed to tackle his usual commentary on American life and human tragedy with ease. It's oddly enough a dance record as well. A pure gem from start to finish.

After the quiet, folky sounds of Big Daddy, John Mellencamp(now dropping the Cougar from his name), came back hard with WheneverWe Wanted To. On this album he combines the hard rock edge ofAmerican Fool with the socially relevant lyrics of his mid-80'salbums. "Get A Leg Up" is a hard rocker that is a distantcousin to "Hurts So Good". "Love &Happiness", "Crazy Ones", "Melting Pot" andthe title track are all excellent songs. "Again Tonight"was a single, but it doesn't work well in the album as it sounds likeit was stuck in as an afterthought.

After a couple of stripped down,folky albums,Mellencamp finally got back to the harder sound of his earlier days,although now combined with more sophisticated songwriting.Highlights include "Get a leg up","Whenever we wanted" and "Again tonite". This release spawned no big hits and is not Mellencamps trademark sound,so if you want the "classic"Cougar choose either "Scarecrow"or"Lonesome jubilee".As a fan of Stones-influenced guitar-rock,you could do no better as with this record!