Slow Turning cover

Slow Turning

John Hiatt · 1988

49 min · 12 tracks · blues

A tapestry of Americana weaving bluesy grooves with poignant storytelling underpinned by Hiatt's gravelly vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Drive South Start here — This track opens the album with an infectious melody and relatable lyrics about longing and adventure, setting the tone for the journey ahead.
  • →
    Icy Blue Heart — Here, Hiatt explores themes of emotional distance through vivid imagery, showcasing his knack for storytelling while blending country and blues influences.
  • →
    Feels Like Rain — This song stands out for its evocative lyrics and soulful delivery, capturing the essence of yearning and melancholy that permeates the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

Hiatt's songwriting shines through varied tempos and rich instrumentation, making it a notable entry in his catalog.

Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • reflective storytelling moments
  • long, immersive listening sessions
  • contemplative evening vibes
  • rich melodic explorations

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its storytelling and sound, though not the most accessible entry point.
Themes
emotional distance· southern landscapes· longing and adventure
Career context
By the time 'Slow Turning' was released in 1988, John Hiatt had established himself as a respected songwriter and performer, following his breakthrough album 'Bring the Family' in 1987. This release marked a continuation of his artistic growth, solidifying his position within the roots rock genre while appealing to a wider audience.
Stylistic neighbors
Lyle Lovett· Steve Earle· Guy Clark
New to John Hiatt? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Drive South Start here 3:56
  • 2 Trudy and Dave 4:25
  • 3 Tennessee Plates 2:57
  • 4 Icy Blue Heart 4:35
  • 5 Sometime Other Than Now 4:26
  • 6 Georgia Rae 4:28
  • 7 Ride Along 3:33
  • 8 Slow Turning 3:37
  • 9 It'll Come to You 3:29
  • 10 Is Anybody There? 5:02
  • 11 Paper Thin 3:37
  • 12 Feels Like Rain 4:51

What to play next

Stolen Moments
Listen next

Stolen Moments

1990

Continues the blend of storytelling and Americana with a fresh sonic approach.
Bring the Family
Go back to

Bring the Family

1987

Sets the stage with similar themes and style, enhancing the transition to Slow Turning.
Full John Hiatt discography Where to start with John Hiatt Artists like John Hiatt
blues

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Car Wheels on a Gravel Road

Car Wheels on a Gravel Road

Lucinda Williams

Shares themes of longing and southern landscapes with emotive storytelling and bluesy instrumentation.

Guitar Town

Guitar Town

Steve Earle

Combines Americana storytelling with a rootsy sound that echoes Hiatt's emotional depth and grit.

Heartbreaker

Heartbreaker

Ryan Adams

Explores similar themes of emotional distance and longing, wrapped in a blend of country and rock influences.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata