John Hiatt's new Same Old Man finds a nice balance
between cranky-old-man irritability and moony romanticism, between the giddy
infatuation of young love and the satisfaction of relationships that have
weathered the test of time. The shambling, ambling opening track "Old Days"
offers a picaresque ramble through some of Hiatt's more colorful memories of
life on the road, setting an appropriately reflective mood for an album that
looks back on the past with nostalgia tempered by realism (he grouses about the
good old days, "I don't know what was so good about 'em, I played practically
free") and the big-bad-wolf rasp of Hiatt's voice, which adds a pleasing grit
and texture to even the most sentimental love songs. On standout tracks like
"Cherry Red," verses rich in literary detail give way to big-ass hooks and
monster choruses. Same Old Men could use more wry rockers like "Old Days" and
fewer love songs that veer uncomfortably into the middle of the road, but
otherwise, Hiatt threatens to give growing old a good name. If only all AARP
rockers possessed even a fraction of Hiatt's irascible charm.