Customer Reviews

Hard Way

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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

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!!

In my humble opinion, James Hunter is musics most underrated performer. He simply puts out tremendous music, plays intimate venues that allow you to be fortunate enough to be there listening. If you ever get the chance, try to see him in concert or at least get his CD to listen to truly one of musics magical performers. If you get the idea that i think he is pretty good, that would be an understatement. To listen to James play is as good as it gets......enjoy!

I bought James Hunters previous album just because I liked the cover photo! First track had me thinking 'not my kinda music', by the end I just started it up from the beginning again - not done that in years! Since then delving into his back catalog has yielded still more warm, genuine and heartfelt music - label it what you will as 'soul', 'R&B", 'blue eyed soul' does not really do his contemporary, but retro, song style justice.

The guy can not only sing with grit and authentic emotion, he plays a mean lead guitar that does not get in the way of the song. The band are exemplary with great grooves and awesome brass (plus the best sax solo in years). Each song has a mood and a comfortable feel but with the wit and twists to make it all James's personal statement.

Recorded at a back to basics 50/60's equipment studio in London, this album captures the feeling of a bygone age without ever feeling stale or dated - more like rediscovering what makes music great in this pro-tools digitized age.

Whatever music you are into, if this album doesnt raise a smile, tap a toe or get you shouting 'Oh Yeah!!!' at least three times, check your pulse - you may be dead.

Get it - you wont regret it.

James Hunter recalls so many African-American greats. Sam Cooke, obviously his idol. Ray Charles. And - bear with me - Ella Fitzgerald. Like Ella, James Hunter sounds like he's never really having a bad day, even when he's singing about heartbreak. This juxtaposition of sunny disposition and genuine soulfulness is a rare thing, but Hunter pulls it off. He has a truly great voice - perhaps the best English soul voice since Dusty - and this is a great album. People Gonna Talk was good, but this is a classic. The songs are better, the band is excellent, the arrangements are perfect and Hunter's guitar solos - tight cameos all - add bluesy spice. It's all over in less than 40 minutes, and it's hard to resist the urge to play it again.

In short...If you don't like this, Quite frankly, You're an Idiot!! This guy his band and the studio.... PURE T-O-N-E !!!!
The sound of this recording is unreal. Just go buy it, you'll thank yourself!! And if you really want a treat
buy it on vinyl... best thing I've heard in 10 years!!! Thanks Mr. Hunter!!!!!!!!

I have listened to this cd nonstop since I got it 2 months ago. I first saw James Hunter as the opening act for Chris Isaak. I walked into the concert late, not expecting to pay attention to the opening act. And as I walked through the gate, I was blown away! I turned to my husband and asked "who the H&% is THAT?? He's AMAZING!" I ran forward to watch the show and promptly bought a cd. I'm still shaking my head that more people haven't heard of him. He's incredible. Great voice. Great writing. Great guitar. Great saxes. Great BAND. Classic style like Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson.... but still has his own sound. Love, love, LOVE James Hunter! I listen to the whole album from beginning to end probably at least once a day. Best track on the cd: Jacqueline.

James Hunter new release "The Hard Way" meets the challenge of putting out an album that rivals his previous release, "People Gonna Talk." Although Hunter shows his rockin' fervor with "Don't do me no favors" and "Jacqueline," he shows his balladeer expertise with "Hand it Over" and the ska tinged "Carina."
As in previous albums, his voice hearkens back to Jackie Wilson, which he does with the title track and "Ain't going nowhere". However, their seems to be more of a Ray Charles influence, which is evident in the aforementioned "Don't do me no favors,""She's got a Way" and "Believe me Baby."
Credit is also due to Hunter's backing band that is tight sounding as ever. If you get to see them in concert, you will be energized and buzzed all night long.

Veteran Brit R & B singer delivers his usual strong set, propelled by his silky smooth voice, tough picking, and diamond-hard horn section. If you haven't heard this guy, you should. The Hard Way is as good a place as any to start.