Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings "I Learned The Hard Way"

Some people never tire of it, but to some “The Game gets Old” starts with this epic sounding horn that returns several time throughout, and a nice solo with soulful, vocals from Jones. How does one really reason being resilient to trying something a different way? “I Learned The Hard Way” which is a brassy, groovy, selection of bass, horns, flute, piano, drums, and remorse. Enough of that crud let’s move on to “Better Things” than remember that ex who almost broke her heart. Funky horns on call, handclap backbeat and the sentiment that life goes on, and stagnating in the past heartbreaks only welcome a festering heart. Now, who finds that attractive? “Give It Back?” I thought you were over that…guy. Oh, just making sure before she puts down that gold investment. Just make sure you do not miss the last minute of the song. Ah, the almighty dollar, the chew toy of vices, the green and unforgiving, oh “Money” where are you hiding? This is simply the struggle that most of us face as we may work our butts off, but things cost so much that all that time spent costs more than what most of us earn. However, even though it has negative connotations the song is surprisingly positive (sounding), funky, and has a lot of attitude and soul, and who can forget the rhythm section? This is a song that definitely will hit home with many who endure this plight. “The Reason” I like this song is that it scores one for instrumentals. This next song has us “Window Shopping” for a perfect mate, and either never finding one, or never finding one that defies the tendency to check out the opposite sex in a female perspective. It is different between both points of view, but there are certain members of either sex that agree with the majority of the opposite. “She Ain’t a Child No More” is one of a teen age flower ripped of her virgin stamen, and instead of succumbing to the scarring effects of nonconsensual sex she had willed to become strong, and become an example of how one can overcome it’s treacherous effects. Think about it: what is the believable percentage of men saying “I Will Be True?” just listen to this track , the bass, and the rhythm section; as well as the lyrics. “Without A Heart” we would die, but without a conscience we can still live, but who wants to live that way even if it is so much easier? I’m sorry, I Don’t know if I could be friends with someone that cares for no one but themselves. I will try because that is who I am, but it just has one wonder; such a great tune. “If You Call” is about that anticipation for one’s love to call to reciprocate sounds needy, but filled with heart and sorrow. I think some of us can relate to “Mama Don’t Like My Man,” especially those on MTV’s “Parental Control,” or the female carpenter who believe they can fix the hearts of the broken boy soldiers. If I had to choose 7 songs to make the hard way easier would choose: The Game Gets Old, I Learned The Hard Way, Better Things, Money, The Reason, She Ain’t A Child No More, and Without A Heart.