Mid-life crisis? Not for Mellencamp

Aging gracefully has never been easy in the rock and roll industry, but 20 years after bursting onto the music scene with little ditties like "Jack and Diane," John Mellencamp's music is as creative as ever. \nCuttin' Heads, Mellencamp's 15th studio release, comes in the same month as his 50th birthday -- and if the crisp sound of the album is any indication, he's not having a midlife crisis.\nThe Hoosier icon couldn't have known how well the CD -- which was recorded in October 2000 and June 2001 -- would strike a chord in the post-Sept. 11 political environment. The flag-adorned album resolutely attacks racism and promotes the power of love, all with a healthy dose of homebred patriotism.\nOn the album's title track, a narrative about an interracial romance, Mellencamp teams up with Public Enemy's Chuck D to attack rappers' use of racial slurs. Chuck D's authoritative rap proclaims: "I connect the word with pain/ now some smile when they scream the name?/ Die, n-word, die. I want to live." Mellencamp also uses the word himself -- making him vulnerable to criticism, but, in doing so, at least proves he's willing to tackle the issue head on.\nMellencamp continues to showcase his knack for surrounding himself with musical talent on Cuttin' Heads' second track, "Peaceful World." Soul sensation India.Arie's vocals stand out amid a smooth layering of violin, mandolin and percussion that defies categorization. The song also attacks racism but in a less aggressive manner. \nLove ballad "Deep Blue Heart" and heartland-feeler "Crazy Island" round out the album's first four tracks, which alone make the CD worth buying. The former is an exceptional example of Mellencamp's ability to sing about the heart, while the latter is a patriotic jingle that promises to get stuck in your head (think "Pink Houses"). "Island" combines catchy banjo playing with acoustic and electric sounds to create what could easily be the hit of the album.\nThe latter half of the album is filled with Mellencamp's typical songs about love: "Women Seem," "Worn Out Nervous Condition" and "The Same Way I Do" all fall in line.\nThroughout the 40-minute CD, Mellencamp and company groove in styles from folk to rock to rap -- and Mellencamp might not have known what to expect from his 15th album. He should certainly be pleased.\nRating: 9