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Billboard 200 - #11, 2017 "... songs feature either Mellencamp or Carter alone in the spotlight ... Carter's deep country roots are a constant presence, even on tracks where she doesn't appear ... of course, Mellencamp doesn't need any outside influences in order to keep things rootsy ... this predominantly acoustic album is simply the next foot forward in a direction the heartland hero's been heading for a long time. Like his songwriting, Mellencamp's instrument has matured over the years ... (he) delivers the songs on Sad Clowns in a soulful rasp alternately suggestive of Tom Waits and latter-day Bob Dylan ... by the time it's done, you're in sore need of some of that salvation he and Carter were hailing a few tracks back; so what else can you do but start the damn thing over again?" - NPR On the 23rd album of his career, John Mellencamp is joined by Carlene Carter, who plays a prominent role both in front of the microphone and as a songwriter. Another special guest making an appearance is Martina McBride, who joins Mellencamp on the single Grandview. Sad Clowns & Hillbillies finds Mellencamp returning to the musical eclecticism that is, itself, a reflection of his wide-ranging musings on life. The songs showcase a poet who has wisely used the years between youth and the present day to become an absolute master of writing and interpretation, whose passion and experience resonates most beautifully.