The songs on John Hiatt’s new album Terms of My Surrender are so grimy and gritty that the sound conjures the cigarette-smoke-and-cheap-liquor smell of old-style blues clubs. With his growling, gravel-filled vocals sounding more elegantly ragged than ever, the 11 tracks take listeners on a luxurious stroll through Hiatt’s brand of blues, a combination of James Luther Dickinson-sound mixed with dollops of Johnny Cash-brand country-rock. Hiatt’s long-time guitarist Doug Lancio produced the album and deserves kudos for the raw, driving acoustic vibes that he captured during the live recording. Songs ranging from a powerful, rhythmic shuffle (“Face Of God”) to Kris Kristofferson-styled love anthems (“Marlene,” “Come Back Home”) to a sly poke at some of his “pushy” peers (“Old People”) once again prove that Hiatt’s still the master.