Is Leftover Feelings a good place to start with John Hiatt?

Yes, Leftover Feelings is recommended as a starting point for new John Hiatt listeners. A rich tapestry of Americana woven with bluesy grit and heartfelt storytelling that captures the essence of everyday life. Released on May 21, 2021, 'Leftover Feelings' marks John Hiatt's first album after a five-year hiatus since 'Terms of My Surrender' in 2018. At this point in his career, he was revisiting and refining his roots in country and blues while collaborating with veteran musicians like Jerry Douglas, highlighting a deepened artistic maturity.

Who is Leftover Feelings for?

Leftover Feelings works well if you're into nostalgic storytelling with warmth, steady mid-tempo reflective moments and for evening unwinding.

How many songs are on Leftover Feelings?

Leftover Feelings has 11 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Leftover Feelings

John Hiatt · 2021

41 min · 11 tracks · blues

A rich tapestry of Americana woven with bluesy grit and heartfelt storytelling that captures the essence of everyday life.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Long Black Electric Cadillac Start here — This track opens the album with a vivid narrative about longing and nostalgia, setting the tone for the reflective journey ahead.
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Mississippi Phone Booth — A poignant exploration of connection and isolation, this song highlights Hiatt's lyrical prowess through its evocative imagery and emotional depth.
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All the Lilacs in Ohio — This track stands out for its lush arrangements and bittersweet lyrics, reflecting on memories that blend personal experience with universal themes of loss.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Hiatt's songwriting shines through heartfelt narratives, supported by solid craftsmanship and a cohesive flow.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a steady, mid-tempo groove with prominent guitar riffs and layered instrumentation.
Several songs incorporate storytelling lyrics that reflect personal experiences and observations, often delivered with a conversational tone.
The album closes with a gradual deceleration in tempo, with the last two tracks featuring softer arrangements and introspective themes.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 3/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

nostalgic storytelling with warmth
steady mid-tempo reflective moments
for evening unwinding
melodies that invite contemplation

Maybe skip if you

seekers of fast-paced tracks
prefer upbeat party atmospheres

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Strong release after a hiatus, showcasing continued creativity and relevance.
Themes: Mississippi isolation· nostalgic longing· Ohio lilac memories
Career context: Released on May 21, 2021, 'Leftover Feelings' marks John Hiatt's first album after a five-year hiatus since 'Terms of My Surrender' in 2018. At this point in his career, he was revisiting and refining his roots in country and blues while collaborating with veteran musicians like Jerry Douglas, highlighting a deepened artistic maturity.
Stylistic neighbors: Lyle Lovett· Steve Earle· Guy Clark