John Hiatt's music has always been a little difficult to categorize, and this may be one reason he hasn't received the attention he deserves over the course of his career. If Hiatt was overly concerned about this, he wouldn't have released "Crossing Muddy Waters", with its unusual blend of musical styles. Fortunately, Hiatt seems to value quality work over huge commercial success, or we'd have missed out on a spectacular album. I don't think there's a weak track on the CD, from the driving opening track "Lincoln Town" and the haunting title track, to the uplifting final track "Before I Go". The acoustic "format" isn't that far removed from some of Hiatt's other work, but it is somewhat of a switch, and Hiatt handled it masterfully. One of the best albums from a guy who always delivers!

Disagree with just about everybody here. Hiatt's bluegrass turn is just fine and even includes a couple of good rockers (Lincoln Town--which has plenty of sass & Lift Up Every Stone--excited gospel stylings). Crossing Muddy Waters is a great slow song (and I love the pun in the title) and Gone is a jaunty little divorce number that Emmylou Harris would have been happy to have recorded in her prime. I love Slow Turning & Bring The Family but I hate to think that Hiatt should have to keep recording in that vein forever. The best since Walk On. Hope you enjoy it too.

RA

John Hiatt has been around for many years, and he has given us some excellent songs in his way of roots rock/blues rock. But Hiatt has also been releasing some quite awful stuff as well, even if dedicated fans might object to that. Anyway, on the overall acoustic "Crossing muddy waters" from 2000, Hiatt proves that he's still a force to be reckon with. On this album you get raw rockers like "Lincoln town", attractive, melodic and catchy (but still slow) numbers like "Crossing muddy waters", which is one of his best songs ever! On the groovy "Lift every stone", Hiatt provides a decent amount of Gospel-feel, while the Delta-blues is in focus on tracks like "Mr. Stanley". And in "Gone" we are giving a touch the Country-Hiatt.

John Hiatt has managed to put a lot of different styles (rock, gospel, blues, country) together in a natural way, and what could have been a total lack of direction turns out to be a very consistent project. Although it's very good from time to time, I think some songs are more or less fillers, and to say that this is a masterpiece might not be true.

and that's it. If you have to have everything John Hiatt does, obviously you'll get this one. I wouldn't recommend it to a newbie trying to get a taste of Hiatt's stuff though. Beyond the three good tracks, it's just boring musically and lyrically.

Best CD I've purchased in 5 years. Have listened to over and over again. Have every song on list to learn on both guitar and mandolin. don't miss this one.