John Mellencamp (album)

John Mellencamp is the 15th album by American singer-songwriter and musician John Mellencamp, released on October 6, 1998. It was the first of three albums Mellencamp would record for Columbia Records. "On this record, we ended up quite a bit away from where we started," Mellencamp told Guitar World Acoustic in 1998. "Initially, I wanted to make a record that barely had drums on it. Donovan made a record (in 1966), Sunshine Superman, and I wanted to start with that same kind of vibe—Eastern, very grand stories, fairy tales. We ended up with a few Eastern instruments. But everybody prepared to make that record. After the last tour, I gave everybody Sunshine Superman, and I said: 'Listen to this record, because you're going to need to know it.'"

While it is unusual for an artist to release a self-titled album this late in their career, Mellencamp was asked by Columbia Records to self-title his debut album for them to mark a fresh start and a creative rebirth.

Personnel

 * John Mellencamp – vocals, guitar

Band
 * Dane Clark – drums, percussion
 * Toby Myers – bass, vocals
 * Miriam Sturm – violin, keys, vocals
 * Mike Wanchic – guitars, vocals
 * Andy York – guitars, Indian instruments, keys, vocals
 * Moe Z M.D. – keys, loops, vocals

Guests
 * Lisa Germano – violin, harmonica on "Miss Missy"
 * Janas Hoyt – vocals
 * Killa – vocals
 * Stan Lynch – drums on "Miss Missy"
 * Pat Peterson – vocals on "Miss Missy"
 * Vess "Elvis" Ruhtenberg – bass on "It All Comes True"
 * Jimmy Ryser – vocals
 * Izzy Stradlin – guitar on "Miss Missy"