If you had to choose between
Still Here and John M.'s next album,
Part of the Game, the latter would be a better selection. Game was stronger, and you could see the Nashville resident growing as a singer and a composer. But
Still Here isn't a bad album -- much of the writing is good, and you could tell that Mollenhauer had potential. The CD's most memorable tunes -- which include "You're Still Here," "The Eyes of a Child" and the poignant "My Mother in Me" -- let us know that earthy, vulnerable rock & roll and pop-rock were his forte. Also likable is "Not My Way," which finds
John lamenting the crime and violence of the '90s and declaring that he won't let troubled times rob him of his humanity.
Still Here indicated that
John shouldn't change his style; sticking to Americana would be the best course of action. One got the impression that
John was capable of excellence -- even if he hadn't yet achieved it. ~ Alex Henderson