Strange one this, 'The Hard Way' arrived in the last batch of releases supplied to the site by Cargo and the album is copyrighted as 2004. Given that the package didn't include any press release my detective powers have failed to uncover whether this is a first time UK or in fact a re-release. Oh well lets get on with the review....

John Waite is an English singer who has done rather well over there ( America that is) with two US number one singles, one as a solo artist with the song 'Missing You which' which appears here in an acoustic version and another as a member of Bad English. Unfortunately Bad English called it a day after their second album  with Schon, Cain and Castronovo going off to reform Journey thus leaving John Waite to go down the solo route and this, I believe is his fourth solo album since leaving Bad English. 

 Waite may not be the best singer in the world but be he is very capable although his real forte is his song writing and this album showcases this to great effect.  He has the skill and knack to tell stories or paint pictures with words and hence 'The hard Way is a great listen, from the up tempo opening title track y to the country tinged 'Keys To Your Heart'  and even ventures into laid back jazz territory with 'New York City Girl'. Even though I've just singles out a cross section of the styles Waite serves up with these three tracks the rest of the album is equally as good.

The Hard Way could easily be a record that one listens to as back ground music or alternatively, if the mood takes, one listen to it closely for its lyrical content and subtle nuances that are only found on closer inspection, it really does work on both levels and whilst by no means a rock record it is, importantly, a very good collection of songs and an album that can be listened to and time and time again. 

Let us know your views on 'The Hard Way'

Track List

The Hard Way
Keys to Your Heart
New York City Girl
Always Be Your Man
Godhead
Masterpiece of Loneliness
Son of a Godhead (Slight Return)
Girl from the North Country
Missing You

Line Up

Greg Morrow - Drums
Sean Michael Ray - Bass
Reese Wynans - Organ
Jeffrey Steele - Guitar
Damon Johnson - Guitars
Chuck Kentis - Piano
Anthony Krizan -Guitar/Vocals,
John Waite - Vocals