Search - John Hiatt :: Perfectly Good Guitar

Hiatt's Best Album

Michael M. | Denver, CO | 10/11/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Perfectly Good Guitar," released in 1993, finds John Hiatt flexing his rock 'n' roll muscles. He can still find a balance with slower, folkier, or bluesy numbers--which are also perfect vehicles for his throaty, nasal vocals--but it's the stomping, harder offerings that really stand out. The opening track, "Something Wild" gets the album off to an explosive start, complete with Hiatt's cougar-like howls and snarls and his syncopated rhythm guitar. The title track is equally powerful and raw, with an ominous chord progression that reflects the singer's anger toward other artists who disrespect or mistreat his favorite sacred instrument."Buffalo River Home" is one of those in-between songs that manages to be both rocking and folky at the same time. "Angel" is terrific, but "Cross My Fingers" might be the album's high point. The song manages to be haunting in spite of its breakneck pace. "Permanent Hurt" is also toe-tapping and catchy, proving Hiatt hasn't lost his knack for insightfulness and wit.As far as the ballads go, "Blue Telescope" is quite memorable, and perfectly placed among the faster numbers.An all-around solid album, and a must for any John Hiatt aficionado. If you've never owned a Hiatt disc, give the guy a chance. His clever lyrics and distinctive melodies will surely pull you in."

Excellent album.

Caroline Bishop | South San Francisco, CA | 11/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You can listen to Perfectly Good Guitar all of the way through, every song, not skipping a one. Something Wild, Straight Outta Time, Perfectly Good Guitar, Buffalo River Home, Angel, Wreck of the Barbie Ferrari, When You Hold Me Tight, Permanent Hurt, Loving a Hurricane, are all rockin'. The mmm-mmm-mmm at the beginning of Old Habits is just sensual, leading you into a strip-it-bare stolidly mournful song. This album is one of his best."

A Missed Masterpiece

Caroline Bishop | 05/14/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are certain CDs - maybe 10 in a lifetime - that if you could know ahead of time the joy and emotion they would bring you, you would gladly pay $100's of dollars for. For me, this is one of them. Like another reviewer, I bought it on the basis of hearing "Perfectly Good Guitar", and ended up finding there were 5 other songs better than a perfectly great song in its own right. The album is a rocker, but also one of the most lyrical albums I can think of, which is what gives it its lasting power. This was my first Hiatt CD, and has lead to the purchase of 7 others. All of them are good, but none as good as this one."