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Jack Owen looks to a John Mellencamp classic for ‘inspiration’ on his new single, “I Was Jack (You Were Diane).” Expectedly, the Mellencamp classic easily eclipses it. 

Jake Owen has taken quite a risk.  He’s recorded a single entitled “I Was Jack (You Were Diane).”  Notice the title – doesn’t it sound incredibly similar to a classic? If you answer yes, you are correct.  “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” is highly inspired by the John Mellencamp classic, “Jack & Diane.” This isn’t a case of plagiarism, as Mellencamp gets credit for the reuse of the signature riffs and harmonic progression.

Jake Owen talk-sings the two verses, while singing on the chorus.  Besides the use of the signature elements of “Jack & Diane,” the chorus is the best part of the record.  It’s catchy, easygoing, and feel-good.

“Do you turn it up
Do you sing along
Every time you hear that song
Like we did then
Like we did when

Do you close your eyes
Does it make you laugh
Do the memories take you back
Six packs and a Chevy Cheyenne
Way back
When I was Jack and you were Diane.”

Adding to the strength of the lyrics (at least regarding catchiness), there’s energetic, country-centric production.  This adds more of Owen’s identity into the number, even as “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” still incorporates elements of “Jack & Diane.”

Final Thoughts

Jake, Jake, Jake. The main issue with “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” is listening to it, one longs for the original by Mellencamp. Simply put, it’s hard to get past the iconic classic.  Because of this, it takes away from any originality Owen tries to incorporate.  The energetic chorus goes a long way but doesn’t quench the thirst for “Jack & Diane.”

Jake Owen • I Was Jack (You Were Diane) – Single • Big Loud • Release: 2.28.18

Writers: Craig Wiseman, David Ray, Jody Stevens, John Mellencamp & Tommy Cecil | Producer: Joey Moi

Photo Credit: Big Loud