"Rumbleseat" is a song by American singer-songwriter John Mellencamp. It was released in June 1986 as the fifth single from his eighth studio album, Scarecrow (1985). The song peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 4 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart.
Following the success of Scarecrow, which included the hit singles "Small Town" and "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.", "Rumbleseat" was issued as a 7-inch single. Its B-side was a cover of "Cold Sweat" by James Brown, recorded during the same album sessions.[1] The title refers to the fold-out rumble seat found in vintage American cars.
Composition and style
The track features a stripped-down rockabilly rhythm, acoustic guitar riffs, and Mellencamp's raspy vocal delivery. Lyrically, it explores small-town frustration, youthful longing, and a desire to escape—a hallmark of Mellencamp's heartland rock era.
Critical reception
Cash Box said of the single that "the distinctive, rocking style of Mellencamp is put to great effect."[2]Billboard described it as "stripped down rockabilly with a moral to it."[3]
Music video
The music video for "Rumbleseat", directed by Mellencamp himself, was shot in black and white and aired frequently on MTV.[4] It featured scenes of rural Americana, classic cars, and performance footage.
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