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The Open Road Image
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critic Reviews What's this?

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  • Summary: The singer-songwriter releases his latest album of roots rock recorded at his home studio.

Top Track

The Open Road
Shrunken head and Mardi gras beads Hanging on a rear view mirror that bleeds Keeping her eyes on the open road No telling where that son a bitch... See the rest of the song lyrics
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 7
  2. Negative: 0 out of 7
  1. This bluesy, heartland-soaked musical excursion features meaty support from guitarist Doug Lancio, bassist Patrick O' Hearn and drummer Kenneth Blevins, wittily informed nods to such influences as Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones and Willie Dixon and plenty of the rock soulfulness that's integral to the sound he's been honing for decades.
  2. Uncut
    80
    The Open Road finds him rediscovering his form. This is Hiatt cutting loose, heading out on his own metaphor-filled highway of song. [Apr 2010, p.96]
  3. John Hiatt's muse hasn't stopped keeping him on task, and the work he's doing remains satisfying, and anyone who can crank out an album as good as The Open Road every 18 months or so would be well advised to keep up the good work.
  4. Under The Radar
    60
    The Open Road finds him doing what he does best: blues-based American folk/rock. [Winter 2010, p.70]
  5. While he sounds more pinched than a decade ago, The Open Road finds Hiatt in fuller voice than last time out, and he’s able to squeeze out those mischevious falsetto yelps with plenty of aplomb.
  6. Q Magazine
    60
    The Open Road restates his credentials, mostly with fleet-footed aplomb. [Apr 2010, p.111]
  7. Hiatt puts these thoughts to paper in his signature cerebral style, but it isn’t enough to make these played-out themes feel fresh.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 1
  2. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. Aug 6, 2011
    5
    I decided to dowload this album as this artist is very well considered by critics. I was a bit disappointed. Most of the songs are only forI decided to dowload this album as this artist is very well considered by critics. I was a bit disappointed. Most of the songs are only for those who like straightforward blues sung by an old voice. There is, however, a great song in this album; Homeland. Expand