Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jul 18, 2026

Slug Line

Slug Line is singer-songwriter John Hiatt's third album, released in April 1979. It was the first of two albums with MCA Records. It was his first charting album, reaching No. 202 on Billboard's album charts, and also the highest-charting album during his first 15 years as a recording artist.

Last revised
Jul 18, 2026
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≈ 3 min
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Citations
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Wikipedia ↗
Slug Line
Studio album by
John Hiatt
ReleasedApril 1979
RecordedJanuary–February 1979
GenreRock1
Length38:22
LabelMCA
ProducerDenny Bruce
John Hiatt chronology
Overcoats
(1975) 		Slug Line
(1979) 		Two Bit Monsters
(1980)
Singles from Slug Line
  1. "Radio Girl" / "Sharon's Got a Drug Store"
    Released: April 1979
  2. "Slug Line"
    Released: 1979

Slug Line is singer-songwriter John Hiatt's third album, released in April 1979. It was the first of two albums with MCA Records.2 It was his first charting album, reaching No. 202 on Billboard's album charts, and also the highest-charting album during his first 15 years as a recording artist.

Background and recording

Hiatt had spent the previous 4 years without a recording contract. After opening for musician Leo Kottke, he caught the attention of Kottke's manager and producer, Denny Bruce. Bruce put together a demo, which caught the attention of MCA Records who signed him.34

Slug Line was recorded in January5 and February 1979,6 and produced by Denny Bruce.7

Release

Slug Line was released by MCA Records in April 1979.489 The album peaked at number 202 on the Billboard Bubbling Under chart.10 Two singles were released from the album, "Radio Girl" in April 1979,111213 with "Sharon's Got a Drug Store" as the B-side,1415 and "Slug Line."1617

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStar18
Christgau's Record GuideB+19
The Rolling Stone Album GuideStarStarStarStar20
Smash Hits(favorable)21

The Rolling Stone Album Guide wrote that "Hiatt evinces a talent for disarmingly pretty ballads."20 Record World called the album a collection of "reggae laced semi-rockers."22 Billboard called the album an "appealing, uptempo rock 'n roll package," and that Hiatt "infuses various elements into his style, including calypso strains at times."23 Cash Box said that the album "fuses crisp rock 'n' roll energy, infectious Dave Edmunds-like vocals, and of course, his highly distinctive, imaginative compositions."7

Track listing

All tracks are written by John Hiatt, except where noted.

Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."You Used to Kiss the Girls" 2:36
2."The Negroes Were Dancing" 2:46
3."Slug Line" 3:02
4."Madonna Road"John Hiatt, Jim Wismar4:23
5."(No More) Dancin' in the Street" 2:22
6."Long Night" 5:18
Side two
No.TitleLength
1."The Night That Kenny Died"2:37
2."Radio Girl"2:57
3."You're My Love Interest"3:19
4."Take Off Your Uniform"4:08
5."Sharon's Got a Drugstore"2:12
6."Washable Ink"3:15
Total length:38:22

Personnel

  • John Hiatt – guitar, vocals
  • Jon Paris – guitar, bass guitar
  • Doug Yankus – guitar
  • Veyler Hildebrand – bass
  • Etan McElroy – piano, background vocals on "Long Night"
  • B.J. Wilson – drums
  • Gerry Conway – drums
  • Bruce Gary – drums
  • Thom Mooney – drums
  • Todd Cochran – piano, organ
Technical
References

References

  1. Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "John Hiatt – Artist Biography". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved August 28, 2016.
  2. Graham, Samuel; Sutherland, Sam (June 2, 1979). "The Coast" (PDF). Record World. p. 14 – via World Radio History.
  3. "New Faces To Watch" (PDF). Cash Box. June 2, 1979. p. 10 – via World Radio History.
  4. "MCA Signs Hiatt" (PDF). Record World. February 24, 1979. p. 39 – via World Radio History.
  5. Ruhlmann, William. "Slug Line Review by William Ruhlmann". AllMusic.
  6. "Points West" (PDF). Billboard. February 10, 1979. p. 44 – via World Radio History.
  7. "Album Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. April 28, 1979. p. 19 – via World Radio History.
  8. "MCA Sets Release" (PDF). Record World. April 14, 1979. p. 88 – via World Radio History.
  9. "Signings" (PDF). Billboard. March 3, 1979. p. 106 – via World Radio History.
  10. "Bubbling Under The Top LPs" (PDF). Billboard. July 7, 1979. p. 18 – via World Radio History.
  11. "Billboard's Top Single Picks" (PDF). Billboard. April 28, 1979. p. 95 – via World Radio History.
  12. "Record World Single Picks" (PDF). World Radio History. April 28, 1979. p. 20 – via Record World.
  13. "Singles To Watch" (PDF). Cash Box. April 28, 1979. p. 17 – via World Radio History.
  14. "Music Week - August 4, 1979" (PDF). Music Week. August 4, 1979. p. 9 – via World Radio History.
  15. "Releases Index" (PDF). Music Week. July 21, 1979. p. 28 – via World Radio History.
  16. "Singles To Watch" (PDF). Cash Box. October 13, 1979 – via World Radio History.
  17. "Music Week - October 27, 1979" (PDF). Music Week. October 27, 1979. p. 21 – via World Radio History.
  18. Ruhlmann, William. Slug Line at AllMusic. Retrieved August 12, 2011.
  19. Christgau, Robert (1981). "Consumer Guide '70s: H". Christgau's Record Guide: Rock Albums of the Seventies. Ticknor & Fields. ISBN 089919026X. Retrieved February 26, 2019 – via robertchristgau.com.
  20. The Rolling Stone Album Guide. Random House. 1992. p. 318.
  21. Hepworth, David. "Albums". Smash Hits. No. October 4–17, 1979. p. 29.
  22. "Record World Album Picks" (PDF). Record World. May 12, 1979. p. 31 – via World Radio History.
  23. "Billboard's Top Album Picks" (PDF). Billboard. May 5, 1979. p. 78 – via World Radio History.