The Eclipse sessions
John Hiatt · 2018
42 min · 11 tracks · blues
A raw, heartfelt collection weaving bluesy melodies with introspective lyrics that reflect on life's complexities.
Top tracks — play these first
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Cry to Me Start here — This opening track sets the tone with its soulful plea and showcases Hiatt's signature blend of blues and country influences.
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Outrunning My Soul — Its reflective lyrics explore themes of self-discovery and resilience while pairing them with an upbeat melody that contrasts the weighty subject matter.
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Poor Imitation of God — This track highlights Hiatt’s wit and lyrical craftsmanship, using vivid imagery to comment on human flaws with both humor and poignancy.
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One Stiff Breeze — With its haunting melody and emotional delivery, this song encapsulates the album's introspective nature and Hiatt's ability to convey complex emotions simply.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's stripped-down sound and focus on lyrical depth create a compelling yet familiar experience.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of acoustic instrumentation, with guitar and piano as the primary vehicles for melody throughout.
- Each track maintains a mid-tempo pace, allowing the lyrical content to take center stage without distraction from heavy production.
- Hiatt's vocal delivery is raw and unpolished, often conveying a sense of urgency and emotional weight that aligns with the introspective lyrics.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- steady mid-tempo reflective journey
- nostalgic themes of love lost
- soulful introspection for quiet moments
- for evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality with a return to stripped-down sound and critical acclaim.
- Themes
- soulful pleas· self-discovery journey· human flaws humor
- Career context
- By 2018, John Hiatt was well into his career, having released over a dozen albums since his debut in 1974. 'The Eclipse Sessions' marks his return to a more stripped-down sound after the polished production of previous works, showcasing his evolution as a songwriter and storyteller.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Lyle Lovett· Steve Earle· Guy Clark
Tracklist
- 1 Cry to Me Start here 3:55
- 2 All the Way to the River 4:30
- 3 Aces Up Your Sleeve 3:21
- 4 Poor Imitation of God 2:57
- 5 Nothing in My Heart 4:03
- 6 Over the Hill 4:21
- 7 Outrunning My Soul 3:43
- 8 Hide Your Tears 3:15
- 9 The Odds of Loving You 4:05
- 10 One Stiff Breeze 3:40
- 11 Robber’s Highway 4:24
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Southeastern
Jason Isbell
Shares introspective themes and raw storytelling with a blend of Americana and Southern rock.
Car Wheels on a Gravel Road
Lucinda Williams
Explores similar emotional landscapes through bluesy melodies and vivid, personal lyrics.
Golden Hour
Kacey Musgraves
Combines heartfelt songwriting with a stripped-down sound, reflecting on love and self-discovery.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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