The Hard Way (Steve Earle album) explained

The Hard Way
Type:Studio album
Artist:Steve Earle
Cover:Steve Earle & the Dukes - The Hard Way.jpg
Released:July 1, 1990
Studio:
Length:55:47
Label:MCA[1]
Producer:Steve Earle, Joe Hardy
Prev Title:Copperhead Road
Prev Year:1988
Next Title:Train a Comin'
Next Year:1995

The Hard Way is the fourth studio album by Steve Earle, released in 1990.[2] [3] Earle is backed by the Dukes.[4] The album is dedicated to Emilio Lorenzo Ensenat (1930–90).

The album peaked at No. 100 on the Billboard 200.[5] It peaked at No. 22 on the UK Albums Chart.[6]

Production

The album was produced by Joe Hardy and Earle. It was recorded at Sound Emporium Studios, in Nashville, and at Ardent Studios, in Memphis.[7]

Critical reception

The Los Angeles Times noted the Springsteen influence, writing that the album contains "no fewer than two racing-in-the-streets songs and no fewer than two Death Row laments."[8] Lone Star Music Magazine wrote that "although it’s admittedly over-long at just under an hour and burdened with even more of a hair-metal production aesthetic than Copperhead Road, it’s loaded with genuinely great songs."[9] The Dallas Observer called "Billy Austin" "storytelling at its stark, bleakest best."[10]

Track listing

All songs written by Steve Earle unless otherwise noted.

  1. "The Other Kind" - 5:09
  2. "Promise You Anything" - 2:43 (Earle, Maria McKee, Patrick Sugg)
  3. "Esmeralda's Hollywood" - 6:01 (Earle, Maria McKee)
  4. "Hopeless Romantics" - 2:45
  5. "This Highway's Mine (Roadmaster)" - 3:54
  6. "Billy Austin" - 6:16
  7. "Justice in Ontario" - 4:47
  8. "Have Mercy" - 4:41
  9. "When the People Find Out" - 4:10
  10. "Country Girl" - 4:11
  11. "Regular Guy" - 3:17
  12. "West Nashville Boogie" - 3:09
  13. "Close Your Eyes" - 4:44

Personnel

The Dukes

with:

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Steve Earle's MCA Catalogue To Be Remastered, Released on Vinyl. March 31, 2016. American Songwriter.
  2. Web site: Steve Earle | Biography & History. AllMusic.
  3. Book: The Rough Guide to Rock . 1999 . Rough Guides Ltd . 310 . 2nd.
  4. Web site: STEVE EARLE RETURNS WITH A VENGEANCE. Dan. Kening. chicagotribune.com.
  5. Web site: Steve Earle. Billboard.
  6. Web site: STEVE EARLE | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company. www.officialcharts.com.
  7. Web site: Steve Earle: Fearless Heart, Outlaw Poet. David. McGee. April 8, 2005. Hal Leonard Corporation. Google Books.
  8. Web site: POP MUSIC REVIEW : Steve Earle Burns Rubber at the Roxy. October 30, 1990. Los Angeles Times.
  9. Web site: Mr. Record Man: Steve Earle. May 1, 2013.
  10. Web site: Steve Earle's Top Seven Songs About Texas. Kelly. Dearmore. October 18, 2013. Dallas Observer.