The New Oldies: #7 Album of the Year 2023: John Mellencamp – Orpheus Descending

Something seems to be missing these days. It seems that record companies, radio stations, and streaming services are pushing some the great established musicians to the background. As a result these veteran artists are not getting the attention they deserve. Enter the Top 10 Album Countdown: The New Oldies. The main point is simple – to make this list you must have at least 20 years of producing established music. The album by the artist must have been released between November 1st, 2022 and October 31st, 2023.

#7 John Mellencamp – Orpheus Descending

Coming in at Number 7 on the 2023 New Oldies Countdown is John Mellencamp’s Orpheus Descending. This is the second conseuctive year Mellencamp has made The New Oldies Countdown as last year he came in at #9 with Strictly a One Eyed Jack. For Mellencamp, who turned 72 years old in 2023, this is his 25th studio album, and it’s fair to say this is one of his best.

Much like Strictly a One Eyed Jack, Mellencamp delivers some his raspy vocals on Orpheus Descending. This album was definitely a throwback to 1989’s Big Daddy, which saw Mellencamp deliver a more serious tone. Orpheus Descending is an album along the same vibe with plenty of social and political commentary.

The opening track Hey God gets you right into the vibe of this album. The socio-political commentary kicks off with a sound that could have easily been on the soundtrack for AMC’s Hell on Wheels. The Eyes of Portland sees commentary on homelessness. Tracks such as Land of the so-called Free, One More Trick, Lightning and Luck, and Backbone see the acoustic elements combined with Mellencamp’s raspiness shine.

Last year, I said every musician has at least one more good musical piece left when I ranked Mellencamp’s Strictly a One Eyed Jack. I was wrong. Orpheus Descending shows Mellencamp has a lot more in the tank.