S3E37: Springsteen Region 2v15(Mellencamp/Kool & the Gang)

This week brings us one of the most fascinating contrasts of the entire tournament: John Mellencamp's heartland anthem "Jack & Diane" versus Kool & the Gang's universal party starter "Celebration." Both songs hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, but they represent completely different approaches to the early 1980s."Jack & Diane" embodies everything about Mellencamp's small-town storytelling, whereas "Celebration" spent 30 weeks on the charts and became the go-to song for weddings, sporting events, and moments of national joy. Who wins? VOTE!"Jack & Diane" by John Mellencamp: "Celebration" by Kool & the Gang: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit the80sest.substack.com