The North Dakota State Fair kicks off this weekend, with John Mellencamp headlining the grandstand stage Saturday night.

So, what better time than the present to give you a list of my top 5 favorite Mellencamp tunes?!

  • 5

    'R.O.C.K. in the USA'

    The first entry in our list is Mellencamp's tribute to music from the 60's. Name drop James Brown or Mitch Ryder and you're almost guaranteed a spot on any list I make.

  • 4

    'Small Town'

    Anyone who grew up in a small town, myself included, has a special place in their heart for this tune. There's something about growing up in Small Town, USA that builds character in a person. This song is all about that character.

  • 3

    'Authority Song'

    Released the year I was born, 'Authority Song' seems a bit more rebellious than other Mellencamp songs. Perhaps it's because he admits to fighting authority that I like it so much, but, as we all know, authority always wins.

  • 2

    'Wild Night' ft. Me'Shell Ndegeocello

    While this tune was released much later than most of his other hits, I find myself humming 'Wild Night' in my head more than any other Mellencamp tune. It may be because the early 90's were a time of musical discovery for me and this song just happened to hit at the right time. Either way, I still love this song.

  • 1

    'Jack and Diane'

    I think most people would be hard pressed to choose a song other than 'Jack and Diane' as their favorite from Mellencamp. I do have a reason for picking it as #1, though: According to Porktrack.com, 'Jack and Diane' was the tune my parents were more than likely listening to when I was conceived! So, how could it NOT be #1?

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