First let me open by saying I own just about every album from John Mellencamp, and am very familiar with the path and poetry of his music.

Without some perspective, it might be difficult album to simply start being a huge Mellecamp fan, however, it's an EXCELLENT album.

Since "Cougs" is about 10 years older than me, I've always looked to his music for the messages and signposts within his lyrics. With this bitter-sweet peek into the future, Mellencamp sings about a rough life, such as in his "Don't need this body", singing "This getting older aint for cowards.."

Joe Cockers, rocks an awesome beat, and would be an awesome song in a live setting.

In general I'd characterize this music as Blues, not Folk, and it is very intriguing.

What is all this noise about the track "Sweet Love"? What is the big deal? It's not even CLOSE to being the best song on this album! In fact, I think it's one of the worst. I'm guessing there is some video version moving up the charts somewhere.

Oh, and there is an extra "DVD version" of the music. (Just the music in a "more pure" format) Which is some kind seems to be some proprietary ThX like or Dolby like, music standard equivalent.

This is wasted on me. Why not give me an option for a less expensive price, instead of forcing this on me? Thanks for the extra drink coaster.

I'm on the fence about giving this 5 stars or 4. I was originally leaning toward 5 because it is true to its title, great music about Life, Death, Love and Freedom, however, I fell on the side of 4 stars, because, I agree with a few of the other reviews, that, this is a difficult album to listen to straight through.

I think there is ample awesome music here, but there is also some "dead wood".


STANDOUT TRACKS:
Joe Cockers
Don't Need this body
Mean

Voice in is not fun to listen to. Want songs about Sex, Age, Death ??? Stick with the likes of Geldof and Dylan.

Life Death Love and Freedom soars way past "Pink Houses" and "Jack and Diane". No more pop for Mellencamp. At least not in this album. John digs deep into the depths of his own soul to create a more thought provoking album for an audience that has grown older and wiser along side of him. We've grown with him from poppy "Jack and Diane" to political "Peaceful World" and now bluesy/folksy "Life Death Love and Freedom". We've listened, loved and learned from John's musical variations. This album is a courageous glimpse into a beloved artists soul. An invitation to search our own souls, face our own fears and analyize our own legacies. Kudos to you, John Mellencamp.

If you liked American Fool, Uh-huh, Scarecrow, Nothin matters and what if it did, and John Cougar, you WILL NOT like this album. 5 awesome albums and he just lost his touch.

Musically , this is vintage Mellencamp ! The voice is grittier and older , with a blues/folk rock sound . The messages of the songs are dark with the exception of "My Sweet Love" . One , "County Fair" is downright scary ! The others are backward looking ...about life , death , regrets or none . I was forwarned by other reviews but bought it anyway . I will listen to it , though , and probably find new things each time to ponder . He's still the consumate crusader ("Jena" and "Mean") and storyteller !