John Hiatt is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist who has been active in the music industry for over four decades. With a career spanning more than 20 albums, Hiatt has become one of the most respected and influential musicians in the world of roots rock and Americana music. His songs are known for their raw honesty and poetic lyrics, often tackling themes of heartbreak, addiction, and redemption.
In this article, we’ll be exploring the top 10 best John Hiatt songs of all time. These songs have become iconic within the genre, showcasing Hiatt’s incredible songwriting skills and musical range. From soulful ballads to uptempo rockers, Hiatt has a way of capturing the essence of the human experience through his music.
Throughout his career, Hiatt has worked with a variety of legendary musicians and producers, including Ry Cooder, Bonnie Raitt, and Jerry Douglas. He has been nominated for numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, and has been inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Join us as we take a deep dive into the best of John Hiatt’s catalog, exploring the stories behind the songs that have helped to shape the American music landscape.
1. Have a Little Faith in Me
“Have a Little Faith in Me” is a soulful and heartfelt song that showcases John Hiatt’s ability to craft a powerful and emotionally resonant ballad. With its gentle piano melody and Hiatt’s smooth vocals, the song offers a message of hope and support to someone who may be struggling. The lyrics encourage the listener to have faith in themselves and their ability to overcome obstacles, even in the face of uncertainty and doubt. Hiatt’s powerful performance captures the song’s uplifting spirit, making it a classic and enduring favorite among fans of his music. The song has been covered by many other artists over the years, but Hiatt’s original recording remains the definitive version, and a testament to his talent as both a songwriter and performer.
2. Perfectly Good Guitar
“Perfectly Good Guitar” is a standout track from John Hiatt’s 1993 album, “Perfectly Good Guitar.” The song is a lively, guitar-driven track that showcases Hiatt’s impressive songwriting and musicianship. With its catchy hooks and witty lyrics, “Perfectly Good Guitar” is a playful critique of the music industry’s obsession with destroying instruments for the sake of spectacle. Hiatt delivers his lyrics with a sly grin, acknowledging the absurdity of the situation while still managing to rock out. The guitar solo towards the end of the song is particularly impressive, showcasing Hiatt’s prowess as a guitarist. Overall, “Perfectly Good Guitar” is a fun and memorable track that has become a fan favorite and a staple of Hiatt’s live performances.
3. Thing Called Love
“Thing Called Love” is a popular song by John Hiatt that was originally released in 1987. The upbeat and catchy track has a bluesy rock sound that is infectious and highly memorable. The song was a hit for Hiatt, peaking at number 86 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and garnering significant radio airplay. It has since become a staple of classic rock radio and has been covered by numerous other artists. The lyrics tell the story of a person who is searching for love and longing for that special connection with someone. The song’s upbeat tone belies the deeper emotional themes of the lyrics, making it a relatable and universal track that has stood the test of time. The song was also covered by Bonnie Raitt in 1989, becoming a bigger hit for her and earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
4. Walk On
“Walk On” is a powerful and uplifting song that encourages listeners to keep moving forward despite life’s challenges. Released in 1995, it quickly became one of John Hiatt’s most popular songs. The driving rhythm and catchy melody are accompanied by heartfelt lyrics that inspire perseverance and hope. Hiatt’s gritty vocals add to the song’s raw emotional intensity, making it a true standout in his catalog. The chorus is particularly memorable, with the repeated refrain of “We’re gonna walk on, keep on walking, come on.” It’s impossible not to feel uplifted and motivated when listening to “Walk On.” The song’s message of resilience and determination resonates with listeners of all ages and backgrounds, making it a timeless classic.
5. Drive South
“Drive South” is a catchy and upbeat song by John Hiatt that blends rock, blues, and country influences. The song has a driving rhythm with twangy guitar riffs and a lively organ melody. The lyrics are about hitting the open road and driving towards a better future, escaping the problems of the past. Hiatt’s vocals are passionate and soulful, delivering the lyrics with a sense of urgency and hope. The chorus is particularly catchy and upbeat, with Hiatt singing, “Drive south, all the way to Key West, I’m gonna open up my mind, let the sun shine in.” The song has a timeless quality that captures the spirit of adventure and the desire for freedom. “Drive South” was a hit on the radio when it was released in the late 1980s and has remained a fan favorite over the years. It’s a classic John Hiatt song that showcases his songwriting and performing talents.
6. Memphis In The Meantime
“Memphis In The Meantime” is a classic John Hiatt song that showcases his distinctive style of combining blues, rock, and country music. The song features a catchy guitar riff and a driving rhythm that will make you tap your feet and nod your head along. Hiatt’s gritty and soulful vocals give the song a sense of authenticity and honesty that is characteristic of his music. The lyrics speak to the struggles and joys of everyday life in Memphis, Tennessee, and paint a vivid picture of the city’s unique culture and history. The song is a celebration of the working-class people who make Memphis what it is, and it is a tribute to the power of music to bring people together and lift their spirits. “Memphis In The Meantime” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world, and it is a testament to John Hiatt’s incredible talent as a songwriter and performer.
7. Riding With The King
“Riding With The King” is a powerful blues-rock collaboration between John Hiatt and Eric Clapton. The song features gritty guitar riffs, soulful vocals, and catchy hooks that immediately grab the listener’s attention. Hiatt’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey through life’s ups and downs, with Clapton’s electrifying guitar solo adding an extra layer of emotional intensity to the track. The chorus is catchy and anthemic, making it a perfect sing-along for fans of both artists. “Riding With The King” showcases both Hiatt and Clapton’s strengths as musicians and songwriters, making it a standout track on the album of the same name. It’s a timeless classic that continues to resonate with music fans around the world.
8. Cry Love
“Cry Love” is a captivating song from John Hiatt’s 1987 album “Bring the Family”. It features a blend of blues, rock, and folk elements that showcase Hiatt’s versatility as a songwriter. The song has a slow and mellow tempo with a delicate yet compelling melody. Hiatt’s soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics bring out the emotions of the song, making it a poignant and affecting experience for the listener.
The lyrics of “Cry Love” talk about the difficulties and challenges that come with love, and how sometimes it can make you feel vulnerable and exposed. The song’s powerful chorus with the lyrics “cry love, cry love, the tears of an angel, the tears of a dove” is both uplifting and moving. The instrumentation of the song is understated yet elegant, with the guitar and piano leading the way, and the backing vocals adding a haunting quality to the song.
“Cry Love” is a testament to Hiatt’s songwriting abilities and is regarded as one of his most significant works. Its poetic lyrics and emotional depth have touched the hearts of countless fans over the years, making it a timeless classic in the world of rock and folk music.
9. Angel Eyes
“Angel Eyes” is a tender and emotional ballad that showcases John Hiatt’s ability to convey deep feelings through his lyrics and vocals. The song, which was released in 1988, features a simple yet effective arrangement of acoustic guitar, piano, and subtle percussion that complements the heartfelt lyrics. Hiatt sings about a lost love and the longing to see that person again, creating a sense of vulnerability and honesty that resonates with listeners. The chorus, with its repeated plea of “come back to me, angel eyes,” is particularly memorable and moving. The song also features a soulful saxophone solo that adds to the overall mood of the piece. “Angel Eyes” is a standout track in Hiatt’s extensive catalog, showcasing his talents as both a songwriter and a performer.
10. Take Off Your Uniform
“Take Off Your Uniform” is a bluesy rock song that showcases John Hiatt’s ability to write about the complexities of relationships. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is frustrated with his partner’s emotional distance and lack of intimacy. Hiatt’s gravelly voice is perfectly suited to convey the emotion and longing in the lyrics. The song features strong guitar work and a driving rhythm section that adds to the urgency of the message. The chorus, with its repeated plea to “take off your uniform,” is both passionate and vulnerable. Hiatt’s ability to infuse his lyrics with raw emotion and honesty is what sets him apart as a songwriter, and “Take Off Your Uniform” is a prime example of this skill. The song’s bluesy sound and catchy melody make it a standout on the album and a fan favorite.
Erica Henderson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
