Hard Way

James Hunter | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 10, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Hear Music
• ASIN: B0016OMFPM
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,168 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

When the notoriously private Van Morrison praises a particular musician, that individual merits a closer look. Meet British R&B sensation James Hunter, who counts the Belfast troubadour among his biggest boosters (Morrison also appears on his 1996 debut, ...Believe What I Say). Recorded at London's Toe Rag Studios, an analogue favorite of Billy Childish and the White Stripes, The Hard Way showcases a rough and ready voice that recalls Sam Cooke and Georgie Fame after a few smokes and a tasteful, minimalist six-string approach. If Hunter eschews modernity, The Hard Way plays more like a reinvention of 1950s forms than a mere throwback. In that sense, the Colchester native performs a similar function to former touring partner Chris Isaak. His fourth platter adds New Orleans flavor thanks to famed producer/pianist Allen Toussaint, who guests on three tracks. With no covers and no filler, The Hard Way looks set to garner Hunter a second Grammy nod--if not a first win. As Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings have proven, keeping soul alive in the 2000s isn't just about getting the sound right, but about nailing that non-ironic feel, and James Hunter performs his neo-classic tunes like he means every note. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Product Description

Soul deep Brit James Hunter - who possesses a "tight, slithery soul groove" and a "sweet growl" (NY Times) - will make his Hear Music debut with the release of 'The Hard Way.' The new album finds Hunter delving further into the realm of deep soul on a set of all-original material.

'The Hard Way' was produced by Liam Watson (The White Stripes) at famed analogue haven Toe Rag Studios in London.

The instrumental palette is rich and the arrangements sharpened for 'The Hard Way.' Allen Toussaint joins Hunter on the sultry "Til The End," the rhumba "Believe Me Baby," and the title track. The gorgeous Echo Strings buoy "The Hard Way" and the romantic "Carina," with accompanying pedal steel. The jumping "Don't Do Me No Favors" is designed for the dance floor.

The album resolves with the romantic ballad "Strange But True," the first Hunter recording stripped down to just vocals and guitar. The album also showcases further evidence of Hunter's guitar prowess, his manic solos recalling the fretwork of Ike Turner.

Hunter has extensively road tested the new album, crisscrossing North America and Europe since his 2006, GRAMMY nominated album 'People Gonna Talk' put him on the map. That album took him from being "one of the best voices, and best kept secrets, in British R'n'B and Soul," as Van Morrison put it, to a major breakout success of 2006. He opened for Etta James, Boz Scaggs, Los Lonely Boys, and Aretha Franklin; reached #1 on Billboard's Blues chart; and made several national television appearances. 'People Gonna Talk; earned him critical acclaim as well, with Rolling Stone calling it "a treat not to miss" and USA Today raving about his "sublime soul."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars James Hunter At The Top Of His Game, June 10, 2008

By 

Mike B. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hard Way (Audio CD)

James Hunter is less Sam Cooke on this one, and more Ray Charles. He's clearly been absorbing the Atlantic/Stax catalogue - which is a great thing. Why not learn from the best?

Like on his previous CD, it's all original material. Hunter continues to exhibit his rare gift for writing songs that come out sounding like old r&b classics from the 50's, 60's, and 70's. And that's not easy. In fact, I can't think of any other current artist able to do it!

This is punchier, with more grit and growl than the ultra-smooth "People Gonna Talk" - and better reflects the energy of his "live" show. It's another beautifully paced mixture of mid-tempo and up-tempo compositions, with only a couple slow numbers. Many tracks feature prominent sax, keyboards, and sometimes a low-key violin section. As a whole, it rocks a little more than its predecessor - and has a somewhat looser, more organic feel to it. He sounds more contemporary. Lyrically, these are songs of unrequited love - the romantic pleas of a persistent suitor - but they're never sad or morose. A couple others offer hard-won advice gleaned from life lessons. In either case, he lets you know he's a survivor and a fighter.

For a guitar hotshot, Hunter seems to prefer being an understated team player - really letting loose only a few times. "Don't Do Me No Favours", "Til The End", and "Ain't Goin' Nowhere" all contain incendiary guitar work. "Carina" is similar to "Mollena" from the last CD. It's a sound I love - like Ben E. King and the Drifters. "She's Got A Way" slightly resembles Ray Charles' "I Got A Woman", while "Believe Me Baby" channels Ray's "What'd I Say" with a chorus nod to Rufus Thomas' "Walking The Dog" (featuring great Allen Toussaint piano). Another stand-out is "Jacqueline", which seems inspired by Little Richard's "Good Golly, Miss Molly" and Chuck Berry's "Maybellene". The man has impeccable good taste! As usual, his vocals are soulful and spot-on.

Really, the whole CD is terrific. This guy's going to be around for a long time. I love "People Gonna Talk" a lot, but "The Hard Way" is even better. If you get it, I guarantee you'll enjoy it.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars British Blue Eyed Retro Soul, June 11, 2008

By 

R. Kyle (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hard Way (Audio CD)

When I first heard James Hunter, I thought I'd missed something from the 60's. Something really good, that is--something I'd have dug a quarter out of my ragged jeans to hear on the jukebox good.

The reviewers who describe Hunter's voice as a growl are right--but he can purr, too. This is a strong entree into the new retro soul movement and a very welcome one. The beat's strong here and you just want to get up and dance.

So far, "Believe me Baby," "The Hard Way" and "Don't do me no Favours" are my top favorites of this CD, but I suspect I'm going to have a new favorite each time I listen. Love it--brand new and sounding like a classic.

Rebecca Kyle, June 2008

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars James Hunter/The Hard Way: As Good as I Can Find Now, August 1, 2008

By 

Pamela S. Steen "4catsathome" (Bradenton, FL) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hard Way (Audio CD)

I couldn't imagine who was singing those soulful, Motown, Temptations-like tunes I grew up with from CKLW when I heard them on WMNF only 2 months ago. This is a great addition to my CD collection. No better purchase can be made if you love the Temptations and R & B from the 60's and early 70's...What a great voice, excellent backups and musicians who do it the right way. I am so glad I bought it. Just purchased two more of his CDs. Thanks for having it in stock!!