John Hiatt
(New West)
In a career spanning more than three decades, John Hiatt has proven himself one of America's most astute songwriters, if not one of the most prolific. Saucy, incisive and a knowing observer of the human condition, he adroitly blends irony, insight, and more than a hint of self-deprecation in songs teeming with memorable hooks and ready refrains. Hiatt's vocals, as pliable as molasses and imbued with a swampy snarl, help further define his often feisty approach.
Hiatt's latest in a seemingly non-stop progression of essential albums affirms those attributes succinctly, and in so doing, provides another memorable addition to his robust recorded catalogue. Inevitably, it echoes both his earlier efforts and the sound of some peers, from the ragged and raucous title track, its reliable riff recalling his classic "Perfectly Good Guitar," to the parallel stance of John Fogerty and Muddy Waters surfacing in the expansive blues of "Like a Freight Train" and "My Baby," respectively. Within this mix, he readily bares his soulful sentiments, another trait that helps map Hiatt's emotional environs. That's especially evident on the assertive "Movin' On," a bittersweet tribute that praises his parents' support, and the longing entreaty that commands the album's closing track, "Carry You Back Home."
Riveting and compelling, The Open Road reflects the musings of a seasoned journeyman who seemingly can do no wrong. Greatness is a relative term, but Hiatt effectively meets that standard, regardless of how it's defined.
Standout Tracks: "The Open Road," "Carry You Back Home," "Like a Freight Train" LEE ZIMMERMAN
