Mellencamp is a Troubled Man

John Mellencamp has issued a promo for his track Troubled Man.

It’s the opening song from his album Plain Spoken, which launched this week via Republic Records. It’s his first release since signing a lifetime contract with the label and his 22nd studio outing.

Mellencamp tells Time: “I’ve never been employed by anybody and didn’t like the idea of having to release records on a time schedule, which I did for 20-something years.

“So I got out of my record deal and thought I would become a free agent. But after 10 to 12 years, it became very tedious. I like the guy who runs Republic and we made a deal that I don’t have to release records on any time schedule – I just do what I want. It’s a special deal.”

He hits the road next year on a mammoth 76-date trek across North America to promote the album, starting on January 21 and wrapping up on August 4.

Plain Spoken tracklist

Troubled Man 2. Sometimes There’s A 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

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.