Slow Turning
John Hiatt was feeling strong after the success of 1987's masterstrokeBring the Family, so he rocked out a little more on the joyful, confidentSlow Turning. His Louisiana quartet, the Goners, spearheaded by slide guitar innovatorSonny Landreth, made each hot tune ("Drive South," "Tennessee Plates") crack like a whip. Hiatt's rubbery soul singing, in turn, made each ballad ("Icy Blue Heart," "Is Anybody There?") tug at every available heartstring. The album became a bit of a hit factory for others, too--withEmmylou Harris,Suzy Bogguss, andAaron Nevilleamong the many who madeSlow Turning's songs their own. This gold version of the title offers superior sound quality for a higher price than the standard-issue CD.--Michael Ruby