I Learned The Hard Way

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 6, 2010)
• Original Release Date: 2010
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: DAPTONE
• ASIN: B00377E4SC
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,048 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #68 in Music > R&B > Soul > General AAS

Editorial Reviews

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings are already well known as one of the most exciting acts in the nation for both their explosive live shows and their prolific output of gritty studio recordings. Their breakout release, 100 Days, 100 Nights, sold over 150,000 copies worldwide. This Spring the band will release I Learned the Hard Way, their fourth full-length on Brooklyn’s independent Daptone Records. The record marks a bold step forward for a band who almost single handedly stewarded today’s return of soul music to its more traditional sound.

Produced by Bosco Mann and recorded on an Ampex eight-track tape machine by Gabriel Roth in Daptone Records’ House of Soul studios, the record drips with a warmth and spontaneity rarely found since the golden days of Muscle Shoals and Stax. Sharon’s raw power, rhythmic swagger, moaning soulfulness, and melodic command set her firmly alongside Tina Turner, James Brown, Mavis Staples, and Aretha as a fixture in the canon of soul music. From the lush Philly-Soul fanfare that ushers in “The Game Gets Old” at the top of the record, to the stripped down Sam Cooke-style “Mama Don’t Like My Man” at the tail, the Dap-Kings dance seamlessly through both the most crafted and simple arrangements with subtlety and discipline. I Learned the Hard Way is the “Daptone Sound” at its best.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amy Winehouse's backing band!, April 6, 2010

By 

Nse Ette (Lagos, Nigeria) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

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

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings appeared as backing musicians on much of Mark Ronson's "Version" and Amy Winehouse's "Back to black". Their sound is similar to both; retro Soul with lush strings, darting horns, and Jones's stirring vocals, a cross between Candi Staton and Betty Wright.

Listening to their fourth disc "I learned the hard way" is like a trip back to the sixties. The title track could have sprung from the vaults of Motown. "Better things to do" is a funky live-sounding jam, while the soulful ballad "Give it back" has a beautiful wall of harmonies.

The groovy "Money" finds her lamenting "money, where are you hiding" and "why won't you stay around?", sentiments some of us share now. :-)

"The reason" is a horn driven instrumental, the swinging "She ain't a child no more" has jangly guitars and rich harmonies, "I'll still be true" is an incredibly beautiful organ/horn-drenched ballad, while "If you call" is a melodramatic Blues ballad with chiming guitars, organ, and explosions of horns. "Mama don't like my man" is more stripped back showcasing the harmonies and powerhouse vocals.

This CD is a much needed breath of fresh air, and while I doubt it will trouble the charts much, I highly recommend it. For those who love real music.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Album of the Year!, April 6, 2010

By 

Waffle On One - See all my reviews

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

I know its only April but this is hands-down the album of the year! I've been following Sharon & the Dap-Kings for years and its great to finally see them getting the attention they deserve! Coming off 100 Days, 100 Nights, I was wondering if they would be able to step-up their game and man did they deliver! This is how soul/r&b should sound - Sharon's voice is strong and pure and the production quality is unreal. What the Daptone crew can deliver out of that house in Brooklyn is amazing.

I'm always torn as to whether or not I want my favorite (secret) artists to make it mainstream, but I can honestly say I'm happy for Sharon and the gang as she deserves it! From performing on Michael Buble's new album to the Up In The Air Soundtrack its nice to see credible artists making it! Do not miss the chance to hear this record!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the rhythm and beat- Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, May 16, 2010

By 

Dennis A. Brennan "Dennis B" (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

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

Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings are a refreshing new CD. They
bring some fantastic vocals on each tune as Sharon sings some
great songs along with the musical back up of the Dap Kings.
The voice of Sharon musically blends in with all the
instruments that the band uses to create a true harmony, raw
feelings - high energy and some great sounds. These are songs
that you will play over and over as you enrich your musical
enjoyment. Sharon and the Dap Kings are in rhythm with each
other - allowing the group to elevate their game.

Wow what more can I say - now I want to see Sharon Jones and the
Dap Kings live in a performance in New York City.