Mellencamp vs. Seger vs. Springsteen

I'm a huge Springsteen fan (even though some of his recordings are messy and not considered audio magic.) I also echo Tom6897 with Croce, King, Lightfoot Taylor Donald Fagen. I like Mellencamp, but don't own any of his recordings. I'm indifferent to Seger. The name I would recommend to you as a prolific singer/songwriter and an outstanding guitarist is Bruce Cockburn (pronounced "Co-burn"). A Canadian, he gets covered often by other artists and has been recording since 1970. His biggest hit in the US was "Wondering Where the Lions Are" in 1979 (charted number 21), off the "dancing in the dragon's jaws" album. When I bring this CD with me to try out audio equipment, I'm generally asked who the artist is because the music has made a favorable impression.

Dylan...everyone else is a runner up...even Tom Petty...haha...

Justin Beiber....hands down. ;)

Hello Sfar and original OP -I am a fan of all three but I have followed Mellencamp since the beginning and that is NOT taking away from the other two artists who I have most of their recordings and have also seen them live..... but ; "Life, Death, Love and Freedom '' by Mellencamp is a truly as you noted ''an amazing album''....I'm 55 and he writes about what I am thinking and feeling because at this stage we all tend to struggle with our own issues of self worth and our own mortality. John nails it.....this one is my favorite but I also still enjoy - Big Daddy and Scarecrow ......good post about three good song writers

Since someone brought up Bruce Cockburn, I'll mention here that I had the great pleasure of seeing him a couple of years back in a hall that seats maybe 1,500. I've liked him since way back, but hadn't before seen him live. His voice, lemme tell ya, was as strong as ever. Maybe stronger. He rocked the house and thrilled the crowd. If you get the chance, definitely do check him out.
-- Howard