Learn the Hard Way

Jordan Davis is a country wild card, zigging where others often zag and sticking to his musical roots regardless of what sounds are dominating country radio. The Shreveport, Louisiana-born singer-songwriter continues that streak on this third full-length, which follows his 2023 album <i>Bluebird Days</i>, a project that spawned four No. 1 country hits. Produced by Paul DiGiovanni, <i>Learn the Hard Way</i> splits the difference between the quieter, more introspective bent of <i>Bluebird Days</i> and the poppier sound of Davis’ debut <i>Home State</i>, offering a fuller sense of his musical ambitions. Highlights on <i>Learn the Hard Way</i> include “Bar None”, a melodic, soulful account of moving on from heartbreak, and “Jesus Wouldn’t Do”, an introspective ballad about owning imperfection and loving one’s neighbour. Davis taps a couple of friends to join him on the outing, too, with acclaimed singer-songwriter Carly Pearce lending her voice to the heartfelt duet “Mess with Missing You” and blues-rock guitar slinger Marcus King contributing to the funky, swampy “Louisiana Stick”, which pays tribute to Davis’ home state.