It's not for no reason that John Cougar, a.k.a. John Cougar Mellencamp, a.k.a. John Mellencamp (his given name), tops so many guilty-pleasure lists. Throughout his enormously successful career, he has forced his fans to endure more ham-fisted observations, tortured lyrics, and predictable musical clichés than any of the Springsteen imitators this side of Eddie and the Cruisers.

Don't believe me? JC's first chart-topping hit, "Jack and Diane" – from his 1982 album, American Fool – begins with the words, "Little ditty about Jack and Diane," as heavy a weight to shoulder as anything this side of "Seasons in the Sun."

That said, this was the Midwestern native's breakout album. "Jack and Diane" topped the charts (the stinking lyrics were redeemed by a lovely acoustic guitar section three-quarters of the way through the song). And the truly irresistible "Hurts So Good" made it to the runner-up slot. After that, JC bought some personal freedom (he got to record under his own name; "Cougar" was forced upon him by the would-be kingmaker who engineered his first record deal) and some artistic license, which he used well for most of his career.

As far as the rest of American Fool goes, there's nothing as strong as the two hits, but the songs are respectable, and the band pours it on. The music holds up, but it's interesting to note how reactionary it sounded when released – Springsteen's best work had come and gone, and forward-looking rockers everywhere were trying to absorb punk's influences and find a future with some breathing room. That JC never emerged from the shadow of Springsteen or Bob Seger shows his limited vision. Still, though the album's title may fit, the two hits were the real deal. "Hurts So Good" feels as fine today as it did back then. (J.H. Tompkins)