Album Info
| Artist: | John Hiatt |
| Album: | Warming Up To The Ice Age |
| Released: | Australia, 1985 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | The Usual | 3:45 |
| Saxophone - Kim Hutchcroft, Larry Williams | ||
| Trombone - Bill Reichenbach , Chuck Findley | ||
| Trumpet - Gary Grant, Jerry Hey | ||
| A2 | The Crush | 4:10 |
| Bass Vocals - Willie Greene Jr. | ||
| Guitar [Rythym] - Jesse Boyce | ||
| Saxophone - Kim Hutchcroft, Larry Williams | ||
| Trombone - Bill Reichenbach , Chuck Findley | ||
| Trumpet - Gary Grant, Jerry Hey | ||
| Vocals [Additional] - Bobby King | ||
| A3 | When We Ran | 4:41 |
| A4 | She Said The Same Things To Me | 3:59 |
| Bass Vocals - Willie Greene Jr. | ||
| Guitar [Rythym] - Mack Gayden | ||
| Vocals [Additional] - Frieda Woody | ||
| A5 | Living A Little, Laughing A Little | 4:01 |
| Backing Vocals - Anita Baugh, Diane Davidson, Tracy Nelson | ||
| Guitar - Jon Goin | ||
| Keyboards - Shane Keister | ||
| Vocals [Additional] - Elvis Costello | ||
| B1 | Zero House | 3:42 |
| Guitar [Lead] - Jon Goin | ||
| B2 | Warming Up To The Ice Age | 3:41 |
| Guitar [Rythym] - Jon Goin | ||
| B3 | I'm A Real Man | 2:30 |
| B4 | Number One Honest Game | 4:23 |
| Backing Vocals - Anita Baugh, Diane Davidson, Tracy Nelson | ||
| B5 | I Got A Gun | 3:44 |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
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- Happy Listening!
Description
"John Hiatt - Warming Up To The Ice Age" is the sixth album by American singer-songwriter John Hiatt, released in 1985. This album finds Hiatt in a transitional phase of his career, experimenting with the synthesizer-driven sound that was prevalent in the 1980s, while still maintaining his roots in rock, country, and blues.
The album kicks off with "The Usual," a track that sets the tone with its blend of rock and new wave influences, marked by catchy synthesizer lines and Hiatt's distinctive raspy vocals. The song's upbeat tempo and accessible melody make it a strong opener, though it represents a departure from the more organic sound of Hiatt's earlier work.
One of the standout tracks, "I'm a Real Man," delves deeper into the synthesizer-heavy sound of the 80s, with Hiatt delivering a confident vocal performance that complements the song's driving rhythm and electronic flourishes. This track showcases Hiatt's ability to adapt to the musical trends of the time while still retaining his unique voice and lyrical perspective.
The title track, "Warming Up to the Ice Age," presents a more introspective side of Hiatt, with thoughtful lyrics that reflect on personal and societal challenges. The song's arrangement, featuring a blend of acoustic and electric guitars layered over synthesizer pads, creates a sense of warmth and depth, highlighting Hiatt's skill as a songwriter.
"Number One Honest Game" stands out as a poignant ballad that strips back the electronic production in favor of a more traditional rock setup. Hiatt's emotive delivery and the song's heartfelt lyrics make it one of the album's most memorable moments, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotions through his music.
Despite its strengths, "Warming Up To The Ice Age" faced criticism for its heavy reliance on 80s production techniques, which some felt overshadowed Hiatt's songwriting and storytelling talents. The use of synthesizers and electronic drums, while in line with the era's trends, at times feels at odds with the organic quality that characterized Hiatt's best work.
Another point of contention for some listeners might be the album's lack of cohesion. The mix of rock, new wave, and ballads, while showcasing Hiatt's versatility, can sometimes lead to a disjointed listening experience, with the shifts in style and tone feeling abrupt.
However, the album also demonstrates Hiatt's willingness to experiment and push his boundaries as an artist. Tracks like "She Said the Same Things to Me" and "Living a Little, Laughing a Little" exhibit Hiatt's knack for crafting catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, even within the framework of a more polished, radio-friendly sound.
In conclusion, "Warming Up To The Ice Age" is an intriguing entry in John Hiatt's discography, capturing a moment of significant stylistic transition. While the album may not be regarded as Hiatt's most definitive work, it offers valuable insights into his evolution as a musician and songwriter. The blend of 80s production values with Hiatt's lyrical depth and melodic sensibilities makes for a unique listening experience, one that reflects the complexities and contradictions of the era in which it was created. For fans of Hiatt and those interested in the intersection of singer-songwriter traditions with 80s pop-rock trends, "Warming Up To The Ice Age" is a noteworthy exploration.