I Learned the Hard Way (Amazon MP3 Exclusive Version)

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings | Format: MP3 Download

Product Details

• Original Release Date: April 6, 2010
• Label: Daptone Records
• Copyright: (c) 2010 Daptone Records
• Total Length: 43:25
• Genres: R&B/Soul
• ASIN: B003COH6MQ
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,253 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)
  • #41 in MP3 Downloads > MP3 Albums > R&B > Soul

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Dap-Kings of Motown Circa 1969, April 6, 2010

By 

Flap Jackson "Sky Is Burning, But At Least We... (State Road, NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: I Learned the Hard Way (Amazon MP3 Exclusive Version) (MP3 Download)

You know how artists try to relive the 60s soul glory days by releasing covers that sound just like the classics? Well, Sharon Jones relives it by actually trying to compete with the classics. That's right, they use instruments from the time period, they have the same sound, and they have an ultra-soulful singer, but Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings is all original material. That's right, they have the sound of the Philly & Motown sound circa 1969, and they wrote all the music themselves in 2010. Now this, you gotta hear.

Note: This is the first time I've ever heard of this group or their work, but I do know this is their fourth album.

Highlights Include:
I Learned The Hard Way
Better Things
Money
The Reason

Unlike many other bands that try to achieve a retro sound, Sharon & the Kings have a real passion for the music, and instead of being chained by the tradition of the sound, they get in the mindset and get in line with the tradition, because they would have done it whether it was tradition or brand new. In fact, the most original thing about this album & group is the fact that it is currently 2010. Still, it's that passion that makes the album & the group so charming. It's that passion that's given them they're loyal followers, and it's that passion that would make them a hit even with they weren't from the 21st Century.

Overall, for anybody that likes this style of music, likes to go retro every once in a while, or just wants an original group, look no further than Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. In the world of retro 60s soul they not only act out the part well, but they're not acting.

Real Score: 4.5

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Straight Fire!!!!, April 13, 2010

By 

Marlo Rhodes (San Diego, CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: I Learned the Hard Way (Amazon MP3 Exclusive Version) (MP3 Download)

I can't say it any better than Entertainment Weekly magazine did so here's a copy of their review:

If you've ever seen a show by the funky phenomenon known as Miss [horn blast] Sharon [two horn blasts] Jones, you know she's a force of nature. That energy is tough to capture in the studio, but I Learned the Hard Way, her fourth album with the Dap-Kings is pure joy, even when heartbreak sends her voice digging deep. This isn't just old-school; IT IS SCHOOL.

OK??? Nuff Said.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So So Smoove!, April 20, 2010

By 

M. C. Ferreri (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: I Learned the Hard Way (Amazon MP3 Exclusive Version) (MP3 Download)

Can't tell you how refreshing it is to hear new music that is clean and "autotune" free. Thank you Daptone Records for keeping it real! Looking forward to seeing them live in Atlanta.