The Hard Way

Owsley | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (December 2, 2003)
• Original Release Date: December 2, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Lakeview Entertainment
• ASIN: B00013M0NQ
• Also Available in: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #106,161 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Be With You

2. Rise

3. She's The One

4. Dude

5. Down

6. Matriarch

7. Undone

8. The Hard Way

9. Dirty Bird

10. Rainy Day People

Editorial Reviews

Michael Moses, Rolling Stone, April 8, 1999

"Beatles-esque balladry and magnetic pop hooks"

Product Description

Hailing from Alabama, Owsley has been nurturing and honing his own unique and virally-infectious melodies for some time. His debut album Owsley received huge praise from the media. People Magazine heralded him "poised for overnight success," while Rolling Stone trumpeted "Beatle-esque balladry and magnetic pop hooks." His latest release "The Hard Way" continues his road to perfection. Sultry love songs rub against the hookiest pop south of Canada. Check out why his legion of fans are growing by the minute. This is a true masterpeice of pop craftsmanship.

Band Members: Will Owsley-Electric guitars on all songs, acoustic guitar on track 3 and 8, piano on track 6 and 7, pass guitar on track 5, 6 and 8, vocals and background vocals on all songs Chris McHugh-Drums and percussion on all songs Michael Rhodes-Bass guitar on track 3,9 and 10 Jimmie Lee Sloas-Bass guitar on track 1 and 7 Millard Powers-Bass guitar on track 4 Jonathon Hamby-all Hammond B3 organ, piano on track 4, Chamberlin strings on track 5 and synthesizer on track 9 Keith Thomas-Strings on track 1 and 6 John Painter-Chamberlin strings on track 2 Gordon Kennedy-Electric guitar and background vocals on track 7 Tom Bukovac-Electric and acoustic guitar on track 1, bass guitar on track 2 Rebecca Walker-Background vocals on track 10 Simon Petty-Harmonica on track 8 (Appears courtesy of Foodchain Records) James Michael-Vocal production on track 8

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, September 18, 2004

By 

Acronychal "Acronychal" (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hard Way (Audio CD)

I have to disagree with most of the reviews for this album. First of all, having worked as an engineer with Will personally, I can attest that he needs little, if any, pitch correction as mentioned in another review. He's a fantastic writer and musician, a cool person to talk to, energetic, and always in pursuit of more fans. I, as many, didn't hear of Owsley's solo efforts until the release of "The Hard Way," and find it in addition to his debut release to be pop masterpieces. Less Beatle-esque, and more radio friendly as far as the general public and new listeners are concerned. Most people aren't looking for Beatles reincarnates when searching for great music, and neither am I. This record, as mentioned in other reviews, is far more melodic, and somewhat reminiscent of many of your favorite songs, making it easily and quickly lovable. I am personally a huge fan of Owsley and have introduced his music to many others and continue to do so. Buy this album, accept it for it's wholesomeness, and you will be his next #1.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid Pervasive Powerpop, July 2, 2005

By 

Lance "Doesn't Write Many Reviews" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hard Way (Audio CD)

This record has repeatedly made me late--when it's on, I want to listen & absorb it all. Bad for me, but in a good way. It doesn't help that the last (official) track, Rainy Day People, is my favorite on the record, melding perfectly from the song before it. I adore Abbey Road, so maybe that's why I can't get enough of the last part of the record: The Hard Way, Dirty Bird, Rain Day People, and the hidden & accurate McCartney homage, Band on the Run.

The first half of the record is heartfelt and honest. "Matriarch" is an especially touching song of mourning. But my vote, if you're going over the music samples, is to check out the end. Especially if you like later Beatles.


( ..and, if you get the chance, see him live! This is a studio album, but every tune sounded amazing in concert. As testimony to the him and the guys he toured with, they successfully covered Steely Dan. That's no easy feat.)

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Will moves on !!!, January 4, 2004

By 

Neil Gibbs (Cardiff, South Glamorgan United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Hard Way (Audio CD)

I've waited impatiently for this record for some 2 years or so and the wait is now over.Some people seem to think that Owsley has gone all out for commercial recognition with this record,I don't agree ! His first record was a lot sweeter and more overtly poppy.This record to me has a harder edge whilst retaining the sublime melodies of the first record.
Every time you listen to it your opinion will change of the best track(always a good sign)as "Matriarch","The Hard Way","She's The One" and "Be With You" could ALL be number ones in a parallel universe.They won't of course, because everybody knows you need a good dance routine to sell a record !
In summary then, a superb record, that you should own if only to stop the Nicklebacks of this world from making a living !