Jordan Davis already has the credentials to match his rising star status. He’s previously racked up three consecutive No. 1 hits – eight in total – from his Platinum-certified debut album “Home State,” including the 4x Platinum smash “Singles You Up” and the 2x Platinum-selling “Take It From Me” and “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot.” That kind of track record means expectations are sky-high, and with “Learn The Hard Way,” Davis proves exactly why country radio loves him.
It all kicks off with “Her Way Or The Highway” – expertly and exquisitely done. The fine chorus, the well-placed lead guitar… it’s an almost literal three-minute pop song. In fact, that’s pretty much what Davis does throughout: tight, polished, and irresistibly radio-ready. “Bar None” leans more acoustic, but the DNA is the same.
The pedal steel and mournful feel of “Mess With Missing You” is tailor-made for a duet, and Carly Pearce is the perfect foil. “In Case You Missed It” delivers harmonies pure enough to belong on a pop record, its small-town-girl-moves-west story as well-worn as it is charming. You can’t resist it.
“Ain’t Enough Road” finds him driving away from a woman – spoiler: he can’t forget her – and gives it a funky twist. Sure, it’s a little generic in places, but when the banjo kicks in on “Son Of A Gun,” you stop caring. Davis has that magic. “Jesus Wouldn’t Do” is as close to perfect as he’s come yet.
The expansive title track deals in matters of the heart – again – but does it with style. “I Ain’t Sayin’” might be familiar territory, but it’s so classy you don’t mind. “Good Gone Bad” gets sleazy in a bluesy way before giving way to light, airy pop – the yin and yang of the record. “Memory Don’t Mess Around” has a chorus that clings on long after it’s over.
It’s a long album, but not a bloated one. The gently superb “Keeping The World Away” is idyllic, while “Know You Like That” revels in reflection. “Only All The Time” sits deep in the tracklist – a sign of just how confident Davis is, because most artists would have put it front and centre.
Of course, there’s a truck, and of course, it’s driving away. But you know it’ll be back.
The mighty Marcus King lends his trademark fire to “Louisiana Stick,” a deep south anthem dripping with hot sauce – think The Cadillac Three with extra swagger – before “Muddy The Waters” keeps things rolling.
It’s a record rooted in looking back while keeping an eye firmly on the road ahead. Country music seems to find these megastars-in-waiting more than any other genre, and Davis is next in line. “Learn The Hard Way” packs the whole of life into one track – and does exactly what it’s supposed to.
Watch this go.
RATING: 8/10
