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I Learned The Hard Way - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
I Learned The Hard Way Image
Metascore
81 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 30 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: The fourth album for the funk/soul group from New York was produced by Bosco Mann.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. The Boston Phoenix
    100
    Their fourth album isn't substantially different from their first three: Jones's delivery, alternately muscular and tender, and the band's total empathy with the genre's rules elevate each tune to lost-classic status.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    I Learned the Hard Way, her fourth album with the Dap-Kings is pure joy, even when heartbreak sends her voice digging deep. This isn't just old-school; it is school.
  3. Uncut
    60
    For all the effective arrangements, most of the songs sound a bit anonymous. [Jun 2010, p.92]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 30 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Lincoln
    10
    Brilliant, old-school R&B that feels fresh. Jones & the Dap Kings manage to walk a fine line between the old and the new, and it's a beautifully wrought one.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. uptonk.
    10
    Perfect. Seasoned and knowing. Just an incredible disc from beginning to end. Sharon is simply the best.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. Labarron
    10
    I love this album! I have it listen to it at least twice a month. It's soulful, jazzy, and funk. I very happy that I discovered the group. Sharon sings very well with The Dap Kings with their jazzy instruments in the background. Good Job!!… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 4 User Reviews

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