This 1985 single, released ahead of 'Scarecrow,' found Mellencamp leaning into his signature brand of heartland rock. It was a clear indicator that his renewed focus on Americana was no fluke.
- The single "Small Town" was a departure from the more socially conscious themes of its predecessor, "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A. (A Political Song)".
- Despite its later success, "Small Town" was initially overlooked by some critics who focused on the lead single from the album 'Scarecrow'.
- The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in December 1985.
John Mellencamp is a Hoosier rock and roll juggernaut known for his populist anthems and Midwestern observations. In 1985, he was riding high on the success of 'Scarecrow,' seeking to capture lightning in a bottle once more.
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