Hard Bargain

Blues · 1995 · 13 tracks

Hard Bargain

Albert King's 1995 blues offering, a masterclass in seasoned guitar work and soulful vocals. Polished yet raw, perfect for late-night reflection.

December 15, 1995 · Stax

Albert King's "Hard Bargain" delivers a deeply soulful and contemplative blues experience, showcasing the legendary guitarist in his later career with a refined yet still potent sound. This isn't the raw, explosive energy of his earlier Stax recordings, but rather a mature, introspective journey through the blues. The album feels like a conversation with an elder statesman, full of hard-won wisdom and the lingering ache of life's lessons. It's an album that invites you to lean in, to listen closely to the stories told through King's iconic guitar and his weathered, resonant voice.

Tracklist · 13 Tracks

01

Overall Junction

2:26

02

Funk‐Shun

3:48

03

You Sure Drive a Hard Bargain

3:23

04

You’re Gonna Need Me

2:54

05

As the Years Go Passing By

2:53

06

Drownin’ on Dry Land

4:29

07

Heart Fixing Business

3:31

08

The Sky Is Crying

5:33

09

I Get Evil

3:35

10

Shake ’Em Down

3:14

11

I Believe to My Soul

4:41

12

Got to Be Some Changes Made

4:36

13

Albert’s Groove #2

2:33

Moments Worth Listening For

The way King's signature guitar bends introduce a track, immediately setting a mood of weary wisdom.

A particular vocal line delivered with a raw, almost spoken intensity, cutting through the smooth instrumentation.

A guitar solo that builds slowly, each note deliberate and resonant, before a sudden, powerful climax.

The interplay between the rhythm section and King's lead guitar, creating a deep, unhurried groove.

Where This Album Departs

How does Hard Bargain sound next to the rest of Albert King's catalogue?

Baritone+2.1σ

The vocals lean far further into baritone than the rest of the catalogue.

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