Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings "I Learned The Hard Way" (Daptone RecordsI) Released April 6, 2010

From the dark, resonant brass buildup leading into the opening track “The Game Gets Old,” Sharon Jones wistfully croons her way throughout this album with a multitude of emotion and energy. The title track "I Learned the Hard Way" warily meanders along breathing with a newfound life found through its own precisely layered and dynamic composition. Although a deeper complexion and expansion of their retro sound emerges throughout I Learned The Hard Way in terms of the different styles of funk and soul invoked, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings never stray too far from their established roots. “Better Things” and “Without a Heart” place the band in their element as Jones’ soaring, resolute vocals are perfectly juxtaposed with warm guitars and the riveting bursts of the Dap-horn section.

The largest development for the band, however, comes through Dap-King member Bosco Mann, also known outside of the band as Gabriel Roth—Daptone Records co-founder and producer. Roth has always been the backbone of the Dap-Kings as the bassist/primary songwriter. This time around, Roth’s role as producer subtly steals the show. None of the songs on I Learned the Hard Way approach the glory of past individual efforts like the energetic groove of “Got a Thing on My Mind” or the firm soul of “How Long Do I Have To Wait For You.” Yet despite the lack of a standout track, Roth’s arrangement and overall production for I Learned the Hard Way reigns supreme, arguably resulting in the band’s most cohesive album to date—an impressive feat given their remarkably and consistently solid catalog to date.

Write Comment
Name:	Guest
Title:
Comment:
Code:*

Powered by AkoComment 2.0!