The Hard Way is the fourth studio album by Steve Earle, released in 1990. Earle is backed by the Dukes. The album is dedicated to Emilio Lorenzo Ensenat (1930–90). The album peaked at No. 100 on the Billboard 200. It peaked at No. 22 on the UK Albums Chart.

Production

The album was produced by Joe Hardy and Earle. It was recorded at Sound Emporium Studios, in Nashville, and at Ardent Studios, in Memphis.

Critical reception

The Los Angeles Times noted the Springsteen influence, writing that the album contains "no fewer than two racing-in-the-streets songs and no fewer than two Death Row laments." Lone Star Music Magazine wrote that "although it’s admittedly over-long at just under an hour and burdened with even more of a hair-metal production aesthetic than Copperhead Road, it’s loaded with genuinely great songs." The Dallas Observer called "Billy Austin" "storytelling at its stark, bleakest best."

Track listing

All songs written by Steve Earle unless otherwise noted.

Personnel

with: