John Mellencamp, the heartland rocker, has gifted the music world with numerous anthems, and among them shines “Ain’t Even Done With The Night.” Released in 1981, this track not only marked a significant milestone in Mellencamp’s early career but also became a memorable staple of the 80s music scene. Let’s delve into the story behind this enduring song and its place in Mellencamp’s discography.
stuck-all-request-fest
“Ain’t Even Done With The Night” hails from the album Nothin’ Matters and What If It Did, Mellencamp’s fourth studio effort released in 1980. While Mellencamp, then known as John Cougar, later expressed a somewhat critical view of this album, it undeniably spawned a hit that resonated with audiences. The song’s journey on the Billboard Hot 100 chart is a testament to its growing popularity. Debuting at No. 81 in late January 1981, it steadily climbed the ranks, becoming his third Top 40 hit after “I Need A Lover” and “This Time.” By May 1981, “Ain’t Even Done With The Night” peaked at No. 17 for two consecutive weeks, solidifying its place as a bonafide hit. Interestingly, this success came just before his career truly exploded with “Hurts So Good” the following year.
The impact of “Ain’t Even Done With The Night” wasn’t limited to the US charts. In Canada, the song achieved even greater success, becoming Mellencamp’s first Top 40 and Top 10 hit, ultimately reaching No. 6. This transcontinental appeal demonstrated the song’s widespread connection with listeners.
nothin-matters
Despite its chart success and fan appreciation, John Mellencamp himself held a somewhat ambivalent view of Nothin’ Matters and What If It Did. In a 1983 interview with RECORD MAGAZINE, he candidly described the singles as “stupid little pop songs” and expressed his general discontent with the album’s direction, even admitting to minimal involvement towards the end of its production. He felt the album was overly expensive and strayed from his artistic vision. This candidness is characteristic of Mellencamp, an artist known for his authenticity and no-nonsense approach.
However, history has been kinder to both the album and “Ain’t Even Done With The Night.” Nothin’ Matters and What If It Did became Mellencamp’s first platinum-selling album, proving its commercial viability despite his personal reservations. More importantly, “Ain’t Even Done With The Night” remains a beloved track for many, serving as an entry point into Mellencamp’s extensive catalog for some fans. It captures a specific moment in his musical evolution, bridging his early work with the rock icon status he would soon achieve.
John Mellencamp’s career trajectory is remarkable. From his early days as John Cougar to becoming John Cougar Mellencamp and eventually simply John Mellencamp, he consistently delivered hits throughout the 1980s and beyond. He became a founding member of Farm Aid, a testament to his commitment to social causes, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2008. Billy Joel, in his induction speech, aptly described Mellencamp as a vital voice of discontent and authenticity, a voice that resonated with many across America. Joel’s words underscored Mellencamp’s role as a storyteller of frustration, alienation, and the everyday realities of life in the heartland.
jcm-n-bj-rnrhof
“Ain’t Even Done With The Night,” regardless of Mellencamp’s retrospective critique, stands as a significant song in his early discography. It’s a reminder of his ability to craft catchy, relatable rock songs that connected with a broad audience. For fans who discovered John Mellencamp through this track, its enduring appeal is undeniable, proving that sometimes, an artist’s self-criticism doesn’t diminish the genuine impact of their music on listeners.
