Customer Reviews

The Hard Way

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.)

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 !

I picked up Owsley's first album simply because the cover was cool - just a guy jumping insanely high in the air with his guitar. His debut album was a superbly crafted pop gem that was undeniably catchy. This new album is the logical next step. It's not as good as the first album (also a 4-star for me), but it's more of the same: radio-friendly catchy songs that are perfect for singing along to with the car windows down. I feel that the songwriting has matured and the lyrics are better (no Zavelow House here). Owsley channels the Beatles and Bob Dylan at times, and his connection to Ben Folds shows up in quite a few songs, but overall he's simply interested in rocking out - the focus here is on melody. The catchiness of the songs doesn't mean that they all sound the same - Owsley definitely has his commercial style down, with some organs, synths, electronic drums, harmonies and distorted voice sprinkled around the edges. It's a warm, fun, rock sound. A surprise cover of "Band on the Run" is hidden in one of the songs. In the end, if you're okay with catchy music that doesn't pretend to be any deeper than it is, you'll like this album. Owsley is definitely a worthy artist to add to your list of "obscure but phenomenal" artists.

Just sharing my opinions. I too discovered Owsley by accident - it was on a listening station at Tower for new artists, and I just happened to punch the button for his CD, and was quickly hooked. I have an extremely varied taste in music, and I listen in phases. But I have never, in three years, gotten tired of his album, and sort of reveled in the fact that I was listening to music that was so good and that no one else seemed to know about.

So imagine my surprise when I saw his new album at Best Buy. Picked it up immediately, and put it in the CD player when I got back to my car. Right from the get go, I was less than impressed with the first two songs (more so with the second than the first). A little whiney and bland (again, especially the second one). But once the third song came on, we were off to the races. I noticed that the first two were written by Owsley and another guy, and only these two songs were written with this other guy (I can't remember his name). Perhaps it was his influence that affected my taste in them. All I can say is that the rest of the album rocks.

It is hard for me to pick a favorite between an album that I've listened to multiple times over three years and one that I've listened to perhaps half a dozen times in a few days. However, at this point in time, I would pick the second album - it is a little harder/rougher, but it still remains polished from a production perspective.

If you like pop in the same vain as the Beatles, it is almost impossible to go wrong with Owsley.

I was so excited when I searched through Amazon and discovered that Owsley had a new album out. The first one, the brillant self titled debut "Owsley", was easily my favorite CD of last year (the year in which I discovered it). Wonderful pop hooks, great melodies, chill-inducing bridges. I was looking forward to many years of great CD releases. But when I popped this CD into the player, I swear I thought that the wrong CD had been hidden in the case. This sounded NOTHING at all like the first CD. Gone were the great melodies, the catchy hooks, the wonderful sounds. Instead, a generic, guitar-heavy rotation of bland songs that sound nondescript and could easily be from any other alternative/new rock artist. Even his voice sounds dramtically different. As Simon of American Idol would say, it is as if he was "affected" since the last album, i.e., someone told him to sound more like everything else that gets played on New Rock stations. THAT is a major shame. The album does redeem itself near the end, when Owsley's vocals and hooks start to return. But by that time it is all ready too late to save the CD. Please Will, go back to what made you great in the first album. And for those who have never experienced Will Owsley, skip this release and start with his debut.

Will spent 16 years in Amy Grant's band, which is how I came to find out about his own music. He was a fantastic guitar player, singer, writer, and producer. He sadly passed away April 30, 2010. Rest in peace, Will. This album is full of fun pop music, and it shows a lot of hints at his influences, almost to the point of it sounding dated, somewhat like it came from the '70's instead of when it did. You can hear the Beatles influences, especially, listening to the harmonies and chord progressions. This is definitely not like Amy's music that he made a living playing, but it IS very good quality stuff, and highly recommended.

After reading the negative viewpoints previously written I felt compelled to throw in my two cents.

I, too, am a late-comer regarding getting all of the Owsley music. I have had "Owsley" for probably a couple of years, maybe three at most. I had heard a couple of tracks from "The Hard Way" as much as a year or two ago and really liked them. I finally broke down and bought the CD and I can't tell you how great it sounds!

This is a FANTASTIC ALBUM!!! From the beginning until the end it is filled with nothing but one great song after another. How on earth anyone could say anything negative after listening to the album is beyond me.

I hear some talking negatively about the album from a technical standpoint in how the music was recorded. I, a musician myself, don't find anything at all distasteful or displeasing about anything on this entire album. Music is a language that crosses all cultural barriers and boundaries and is intended to convey a message. A REALLY good musician/writer will produce songs/music that carries the message more so than do others. I am of the opinion that Owsley does just that.

It is still early in Owsley's musical career. I hope that he continues to write and produce gems such as "Owsley" and "The Hard Way." He is certainly a gifted musician and especially a gifted writer.

It has been four years since "The Hard Way" was released. Maybe he's due for another release very soon. I can hardly wait.

In an age where over produced, incoherent noise is what passes for "music" these days, along comes a true artist like Wil Owsley who reminds you of what rock n' roll SHOULD be. He did it on his first album. Now four years later, he does again on his new release "The Hard Way".

Owsley's new disc is a slight departure from his 1999 debut titled simpley "Owsley". He's developing as a song writer but the songs are a little more layered in thier sound. The guitars are more distorted and the overall feeling goes for more of a pollished sound than the stripped down production of his first album.

The album kicks off with the single "Be With You", an ode to unrequetted love. But even though Be With You is the lead track it is not the strongest cut on the album. That distinction goes to the second track "Rise". Full of pounding drum beats, sky high backing vocals, and a great hook, "Rise" brings out the best of Matthew Sweet, Badfinger and Cheap Trick rolled into a three and a half minute pop song. The album continues with the "She's The One",(another standout track) a song about regret and love lost. Owsley is becoming more visually descriptive in his lyrics. As evidenced by tracks like the title cut "The Hard Way", a story about a compulsive gambler (the last line personifying Lady Luck ;"she's always waiting for me, to love me or ignore me").

There is a hidden bonus track on this CD. At the end of the song Rainy Day People, you will hear Owsley's version of "Band On The Run" recorded for the 2002 McCartney tribute CD "Listen To What the Man Said".

At first this CD didn't connect with me. But after repeated listening I found that I appreciated it more and more. It holds up extremely well after repeated listening. Further more everyone who I've recomended this CD to LOVES it! There is no sophmore jinx here. Owsley has proven himself a consistent and talented singer/songwriter. He really is the real deal.

If I had to make a list of my favorite CDs of all time, Owsley's first album would be up near the top. I could hardly wait for another album from this extremely talented musician and finally "The Hard Way" got released to my drooling anticipation.

My first impression was that it was a disappointment- calculated production values, unoriginal song titles and less stellar lyrical wordplay than the quirky first disc. But giving it a few listens, several tracks really stood out for me. "Rainy Day People" sounds like the good old days of the first album while "Undone" and "Dirty Bird" show he still can write songs better than the vast majority of what's on the radio. Even the unlisted cover of "Band On the Run" is cool, letting his voice practically growl in places- and I'm usually never a fan of Beatles (or in this case, McCartney) remakes.

Most of the aforementioned tracks are toward the end, which is to say that it doesn't start out well. "Be With You" is a bit too maudlin for my taste as is "She's the One". The album doesn't really pick up until halfway through, though "Dude" is a pleasantly quirky tune.

I was a little disappointed with "The Hard Way", but taking it on its merits, it's pretty good. After all, his nearly flawless first album is a hard act to follow.