John Hiatt's story can now be assumed to be well-known. A gifted songwriter, he wears out a number of record companies due to the lack of commercial success, before breaking through with the classic album in 1987. Over time he builds up a great oeuvre from which other artists (recently our own ) to your heart's content. At The Tiki Bar Is Open, Hiatt is accompanied by his loyal band . The album
… sounds a bit rougher than we are used to from Hiatt. Especially in the opener Everybody Went Low he makes a rather forced attempt to rock and the restless arrangements ensure that it takes longer than usual for the songs to stick. Fortunately Hiatt gradually slows down and there appear to be a number of gems at the end of the record. Personal favorite is the heartbreaking I'll Never Get Over You, but also Come Home To You. This record, if it belonged to a newcomer, would probably be hailed. But from someone who once made masterpieces like Bring The Family and , we secretly hoped for more than a satisfactory. (MS)more
