Hubbry Logo
Hard AgainHard AgainMain
Open search
Hard Again
Community hub
Hard Again
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Hard Again
Hard Again
from Wikipedia

Hard Again
Studio album by
ReleasedJanuary 10, 1977 (1977-01-10)[1]
RecordedOctober 1976[2]
GenreChicago blues
Length45:47
LabelBlue Sky
ProducerJohnny Winter[2]
Muddy Waters chronology
The Muddy Waters Woodstock Album
(1975)
Hard Again
(1977)
I'm Ready
(1978)

Hard Again is a studio album by American blues singer Muddy Waters. Released on January 10, 1977, it was the first of his albums produced by Johnny Winter.[1] Hard Again was Waters's first album on Blue Sky Records after leaving Chess Records and was well received by critics.

Background

[edit]

In August 1975, Chess Records was sold to All Platinum Records and became a reissue label only. Waters left sometime after this, and did not record any new studio material until he signed with Johnny Winter's Blue Sky label in October 1976.

Recording

[edit]

Hard Again was recorded in three days. Producing the session was Johnny Winter and engineering the sessions was Dave Still – who previously engineered Johnny's brother Edgar, Foghat, and Alan Merrill. Waters used his touring band of the time, consisting of guitarist Bob Margolin, pianist Pinetop Perkins, and drummer Willie "Big Eyes" Smith. Other backing members during the sessions were harmonicist James Cotton and bassist Charles Calmese, who performed with both Johnny Winter and James Cotton in the past.[2]

Songs

[edit]

Three of the songs on the album – "Mannish Boy", "I Want to Be Loved", and "I Can't Be Satisfied" – were re-recordings of songs that were previously recorded for Chess Records. One song, "The Blues Had a Baby and They Named It Rock and Roll, Pt. 2", was co-written with Brownie McGhee and another song, "Bus Driver", was co-written with Terry Abrahamson.

An outtake from the recording sessions, "Walking Through the Park", appeared on the 2004 Legacy Recordings reissue CD, while several more unused tracks appeared on King Bee in 1981.

Reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarStarStarStar[3]
BlenderStarStarStarStar[4]
Christgau's Record GuideA−[5]
DownBeatStarStarStarStar[6]
The Penguin Guide to Blues RecordingsStarStarStarHalf star[7]
QStarStarStarStar[6]
The Rolling Stone Album GuideStarStarStarStar[8]
The Village VoiceA[9]

The album was well received by music critics. John Quaintance of Yahoo! Music called it "a remarkable album" and a "return to form" for Muddy Waters, commenting that "Johnny Winter, ... James Cotton, Pinetop Perkins, Bob Margolin, Charles Calmese and Willie "Big Eyes" Smith are all thrilled to be in the same room with Muddy, and it shows, as they lay down a serious foundation for the old master who struts and brags like it's 1950 again."[10] Q called it "a guaranteed delight" for "students of the post-war blues", while DownBeat stated, "Singing, [Muddy is] playful and proud, brawny and insistent, his free-flow of inspiration spreading to his superlative road band".[6] Dan Oppenheimer of Rolling Stone said that "Mannish Boy" sounded like it was recorded live,[11] while both Oppenheimer and Daniel Gioffre of AllMusic state how powerful Willie "Big Eyes" Smith's drumming is.[3][11] Oppenheimer and Gioffre both share the opinion that Hard Again is Muddy Waters comeback album.[3][11] In The New Rolling Stone Album Guide (2004), Rolling Stone journalist Dave Marsh said "Johnny Winter provided the sensitive production touch otherwise lacking on some of [Muddy's] early '70s recordings."[8]

In his consumer guide for The Village Voice, Robert Christgau attributed the record's intense quality to "the natural enthusiasm of an inspired collaboration", and remarked on its standing in Chicago blues, "except maybe for B.B. King's Live at the Regal and Otis Spann's Walking the Blues (oh, there must be others, but let me go on) I can't recall a better blues album than this."[9] In a later review for Blender, the critic found Muddy Waters to be in "virile voice" and commented that "all-star musicians and fresh prospects stimulate the excitement promised in the title."[4]

Charts and awards

[edit]

Hard Again peaked at No. 143 on the Billboard 200, which was his first appearance on the chart since Fathers and Sons in 1969.[12] The album won the Grammy Award for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording the year of its release.[13]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are composed by Muddy Waters (listed as McKinley Morganfield), except where noted.

Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Mannish Boy"Morganfield, Ellas McDaniel, Mel London5:23
2."Bus Driver"Morganfield, Terry Abrahamson7:44
3."I Want to Be Loved"Willie Dixon2:20
4."Jealous Hearted Man" 4:23
5."I Can't Be Satisfied" 3:28
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."The Blues Had a Baby and They Named It Rock and Roll, Pt. 2"Morganfield, Brownie McGhee3:35
2."Deep Down in Florida" 5:25
3."Crosseyed Cat" 5:59
4."Little Girl" 7:06
2004 Epic CD reissue extra track
No.TitleLength
10."Walking Through the Park"3:55
Total length:49:42

Personnel

[edit]

Musicians

Technical

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Label Format Catalog
U.S. January 10, 1977 Blue Sky LP PZ 34449
U.K. 1977 Blue Sky LP SKY 32357
Europe 1977 Blue Sky LP SKY 81853
Australia 1977 CBS LP SBP 234953
U.S. 1987 Blue Sky CD ZK 34449
Cassette PZT 34449
U.S. 2004 Epic/Legacy CD EK 86817
Europe 2004 Epic/Legacy CD EPC 515161 2

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Hard Again is a Chicago blues studio album by American singer-songwriter and guitarist Muddy Waters, released on January 10, 1977, by Blue Sky Records. Produced by —who also contributed guitar—the album revitalized Waters' career following his departure from , where he had grown dissatisfied with the production quality of his recent work. Recorded in just three days at a low cost to capture a raw, live-in-the-studio feel, it features Waters' powerful vocals and alongside a tight ensemble of veteran blues musicians. The album's background stems from Waters' frustration with Chess, which he felt had mishandled his output in the early , leading him to sign with Blue Sky, a label founded by Steve Paul and distributed by . Winter, a lifelong admirer of Waters, assembled a band including harmonica player , pianist , guitarist Bob Margolin, bassist Charles Calmese, and drummer Willie "Big Eyes" Smith to recreate the electric sound that Waters pioneered in the . Six of the nine tracks are new originals by Waters, blending gritty Delta influences with urban electric energy, while covers like "" and "I Can't Be Satisfied" receive fresh, impassioned treatments. The full track listing includes: "" (5:17), "Bus Driver" (7:45), "I Want to Be Loved #2" (2:22), "Jealous Hearted Man" (4:23), "I Can't Be Satisfied" (3:29), "The Blues Had a Baby and They Named It #2" (3:35), "Deep Down in " (5:24), "Crosseyed Cat" (6:00), and "Little Girl" (7:07). Critically acclaimed for its authenticity and vigor, Hard Again is widely regarded as one of Waters' finest post-1950s recordings, earning a Grammy Award for Best Ethnic or Traditional Recording in 1978. Reviewers praised its unpolished intensity, with noting Waters' renewed songwriting spark after a long dry spell, and highlighting its status as a high-water mark in electric . The album's success paved the way for two follow-ups produced by Winter—I'm Ready (1978) and King Bee (1981)—cementing its role in revitalizing Waters' legacy during his later years.

Background and production

Background

By the mid-1970s, had grown increasingly frustrated with , his label for nearly three decades, following its sale in 1975 to All Platinum Records. Waters felt repeatedly "sold" without his input, stating, “That be the second time they sold me, and I got tired of being sold to everybody. I said, ‘This ain’t no good for me. I quit.’” This dissatisfaction prompted his departure from Chess, marking the end of a significant era in his career. In the early , Waters' releases on Chess, such as (1968) and After the Rain (1969), experimented with elements to appeal to a broader, white rock audience, often featuring wah-wah pedals, fuzz tones, and horn sections. These albums were criticized as overly commercialized and disconnected from his roots, alienating his core fanbase of blues purists; for instance, was lambasted by as “the worst blues album ever made,” while Waters himself lamented, “Every time I go into Chess they put some un-blues players with me… and if you change my sound, then you gonna change the whole man.” The album Hard Again was conceived in 1976 amid these challenges, inspired by Waters' ongoing touring experiences that highlighted his enduring appeal despite label woes. Blues-rock guitarist , a longtime admirer of Waters who had covered his songs earlier in his career, proposed producing a return-to-roots project to recapture the raw energy of Waters' 1950s sound. Winter viewed it as “the greatest chance… to get with someone who’s still got it.” This vision led to a shift to Blue Sky Records, a subsidiary of founded by Winter's manager Steve Paul, allowing for greater creative control and an authentic focus unburdened by Chess's commercial pressures.

Recording

The recording sessions for Hard Again took place over three days in early October 1976 at The Schoolhouse, a professional studio in . Producer , a longtime admirer of , assembled the sessions to revive the raw energy of Waters' early sound, focusing on live band performances with minimal interference. Winter also contributed guitar on several tracks, including lead parts that complemented Waters' slide guitar style. The core lineup featured Waters' touring band at the time: guitarist Bob Margolin, pianist , drummer Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, and bassist Charles Calmese, with harmonica player added for his distinctive wailing contributions. Engineered by Dave Still, known for his work with Blue Sky Records artists, the sessions emphasized spontaneity, capturing the ensemble in one large room to preserve natural instrument bleed and room ambiance. Most tracks were completed in one or two takes, with minimal overdubs to maintain the authentic, unpolished feel of a live performance. Winter's production philosophy prioritized high-fidelity audio that spotlighted Waters' gravelly vocals and signature , eschewing modern effects or embellishments in favor of a direct, energetic aesthetic. This approach resulted in a that echoed Waters' 1950s Chess Records era while benefiting from contemporary recording clarity, allowing the band's interplay to shine without artificial separation.

Music and composition

Musical style

Hard Again exemplifies traditional , characterized by electric amplification that amplifies the raw intensity and Delta roots of its origins. The album's core genre draws directly from the post-World War II urban blues scene in , where artists like adapted traditions to amplified instruments, creating a powerful, band-driven sound that influenced . This style is evident in the album's emphasis on gritty work, forceful harmonica, and propulsive rhythms that evoke the energy of live performances in South Side clubs. The production hallmarks of Hard Again, overseen by , prioritize high-fidelity recording that captures the live-band energy without overproduction, marking a deliberate return to the unadulterated of Waters' 1950s era. Unlike the psychedelic experiments and orchestral arrangements of Waters' Chess albums, such as (1968), which incorporated wah-wah effects and fusion elements, Hard Again rejects folk- acoustic leanings or elaborate studio manipulations in favor of a straightforward, visceral approach. This results in a crisp, expansive sound that highlights the band's tight interplay, with subtle rock edges introduced by Winter's guitar contributions enhancing the foundation rather than overshadowing it. Key musical elements include prominent lines that weave through the tracks, harmonica riffs delivering raw, distorted wails, and shuffling rhythms underpinned by a driving drumbeat and bass groove. Waters' gravelly vocals dominate, employing classic call-and-response patterns that interact dynamically with the instruments, reinforcing the communal spirit of . These features pay homage to influences like Howlin' Wolf's booming presence and Little Walter's innovative harmonica techniques, while the overall intensity reflects Waters' Delta forebears such as and , adapted to the electric urban context.

Songs

Hard Again comprises nine tracks with a total runtime of approximately 45 minutes, blending re-recordings of three earlier classics from ' catalog with six new compositions to revitalize his legacy. The album's songs draw on traditional structures, primarily verse-chorus forms punctuated by extended instrumental solos that impart an improvisational energy reminiscent of live performances, even within the studio environment. Lyrically, the material explores core themes of , romantic dissatisfaction, , and the vicissitudes of everyday life, delivered in Waters' raw, direct style that underscores the genre's emotional immediacy. The album opens with the re-recording of "Mannish Boy," originally a 1955 hit co-written by Waters, Mel London, and Ellas McDaniel (), which boasts assertive, boastful lyrics proclaiming male virility over a signature and driving . Clocking in at over five minutes, it features layered call-and-response vocals and emphatic guitar work, emphasizing Waters' commanding presence. Following is the original "Bus Driver," co-written by Waters and Terry Abrahamson, a humorous yet racy narrative about romantic rivalry with a philandering , unfolding in a nearly eight-minute jam with verse-chorus progression and prominent solos on harmonica, , and . "I Want to Be Loved #2" revisits Willie Dixon's composition, accelerating the original's tempo into a concise two-minute burst of urgent pleas for affection, structured around tight verses and a piercing harmonica break that heightens the theme of romantic yearning. "Jealous Hearted Man," a new Waters original, delves into betrayal and suspicion in a mid-tempo framework, with wailing harmonica underscoring the raw emotional turmoil of . The re-do of 1948's "I Can't Be Satisfied" intensifies the guitar-driven dissatisfaction of its predecessor, featuring darker about unfulfilled desires set against an upbeat shuffle and extended exposition. "The Blues Had a Baby and They Named It , Pt. 2," co-written by Waters and , celebrates the ' evolution into rock through playful, narrative verses and a repetitive two-note harmonica hook, balancing historical reflection with rhythmic drive. "Deep Down in ," another fresh track, adopts a slower, swaying structure to evoke themes of longing and escape, highlighted by introspective solos. The original "Crosseyed Cat" introduces surreal, boastful imagery in a catchy shuffle form, propelled by descending harmonica riffs and aggressive ensemble interplay. Closing with "Little Girl," a seven-minute original, the ends on a simmering slow about , built on simple repetitive verses that allow for expansive solos evoking everyday romantic struggles.

Release and commercial performance

Release history

Hard Again was initially released on January 10, 1977, by Blue Sky Records, a subsidiary label distributed by , in LP format with catalog number PZ 34449. The label, founded in by manager Steve Paul and closely associated with through his management and artist roster, specialized in blues-oriented acts. The original vinyl edition featured a cover photograph of Muddy Waters holding his guitar, taken by , with back cover and inner sleeve photography by ; the inner sleeve included crediting contributions from producer , including guitar and vocals. Subsequent reissues began with a CD version in 1986 on Blue Sky (ZK 34449), followed by various international pressings in the on labels like and Columbia. In 2004, Epic/Legacy released a remastered CD edition (EK 86817) as part of their catalog, with some European variants under Legacy/EPC 515161 2 offering expanded content including bonus tracks. Vinyl reissues continued into the , notably a 180-gram pressing by Friday Music in 2010 (FRM 34449), mastered from original tapes. Additional limited-edition vinyl releases appeared in 2012 by Music On Vinyl (MOVLP565) and 2016 by Blue Sky (PZ 34449 ), followed by a 2020 of the Music On Vinyl edition (MOVLP565). No further significant major physical reissues have been documented after 2020 as of November 2025, beyond standard streaming availability on platforms like and .

Chart performance and awards

Hard Again achieved modest commercial success in the United States, peaking at number 143 on the chart on February 19, 1977, and remaining on the chart for 12 weeks. The album did not enter the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Initial sales were limited, reflecting the niche appeal of blues albums during the period, though it has since enjoyed steady catalog performance over the decades. The album received formal recognition with a Grammy Award win for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording at the 20th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 23, 1978. This accolade marked a significant honor for in the later stages of his career. No additional major awards or nominations were recorded for the album. Internationally, Hard Again had negligible chart presence outside the U.S., with reissues contributing to its ongoing popularity in European markets.

Reception and legacy

Critical reception

Upon its release in 1977, Hard Again received widespread acclaim from critics for revitalizing ' career and recapturing the raw intensity of his classic sound. described it as a "triumphant return," praising Waters' renewed vigor at age 62 and the album's six new original tunes that ended a long creative dry spell. Similarly, of awarded it an A- grade, highlighting the "natural enthusiasm of an inspired collaboration" that infused the tracks with live-performance energy and authentic grit, with Waters singing "as though his life depended on it." In retrospective assessments, the album has been lauded as one of Waters' strongest works beyond his Chess era. gave it a perfect five-star rating, calling it Waters' best post- album and a pinnacle of for its potent blend of fresh compositions and reenergized classics. Critics commonly praised producer Johnny Winter's hands-off approach, which allowed Waters and his band—including harmonica virtuoso —to deliver an unpolished, authentic sound that echoed the electric glory of Waters' early career while adapting to contemporary recording techniques. While the overall consensus was positive, some reviewers critiqued the inclusion of re-recordings of Waters' earlier as somewhat redundant, though they acknowledged these tracks still carried fresh power through the album's vigorous execution. Into the , modern reassessments have reinforced its stature; a 2023 PopMatters review emphasized how Hard Again bridged blues revivals by showcasing electric at its peak, solidifying its role as a benchmark for Waters' late-period excellence without major shifts in critical opinion.

Cultural impact and legacy

Hard Again marked a pivotal resurgence in Muddy Waters' career, revitalizing both his commercial viability and artistic output following a challenging period in the early when his traditional style struggled against shifting musical tastes. Produced by , the album captured Waters and his band delivering energetic, unpolished performances that recaptured the raw essence of , earning widespread acclaim and propelling Waters back into the spotlight. This revival paved the way for subsequent releases, including the 1978 album I'm Ready, which continued the momentum with similar critical and audience success. The album's influence extended to the broader blues-rock landscape, bridging Waters' traditional electric blues roots with the sensibilities of rock audiences and inspiring a of artists to explore authentic forms. By emphasizing live-in-the-studio energy and minimal overdubs, Hard Again served as a model for preserving the genre's visceral power, influencing musicians who sought to blend blues authenticity with rock's broader appeal. While Waters' earlier recordings had already shaped bands like , this late-career effort reinforced his enduring role in evolving blues-rock fusion. In the blues canon, Hard Again stands as a cornerstone for authentic electric blues production, highlighting Waters' commanding vocals and the band's tight interplay as a template for raw, unadorned recordings that prioritize emotional depth over polish. Its legacy persists into the 21st century through digital remasters and reissues that make it accessible to modern listeners, as well as features in educational content on Chicago blues history. As of 2025, the album enjoys renewed streaming traction on platforms like Spotify, where Muddy Waters maintains over 1.1 million monthly listeners, attracting younger audiences to his foundational contributions. It has also appeared in documentaries such as the PBS American Masters episode "Can't Be Satisfied," underscoring its ongoing cultural resonance.

Credits

Personnel

The personnel for Hard Again consisted of a core group of musicians led by , with contributions from producer and technical staff.
  • – vocals, guitar
  • – producer, guitar
  • Bob Margolin – guitar
  • – piano
  • Willie "Big Eyes" Smith – drums
  • – harmonica
  • Charles Calmese – bass
  • Dave Still – engineer
  • Terry Abrahamson – co-writer ("Bus Driver")

Track listing

All tracks on Hard Again were produced by . The original 1977 vinyl edition divides the nine tracks across two sides, with a total album length of 45:23.
SideNo.TitleWriter(s)Length
A1"Mannish Boy" (re-recording of 1955 single)McKinley Morganfield, Ellas McDaniel, Mel London5:17
A2"Bus Driver"McKinley Morganfield, Terry Abrahamson7:45
A3"I Want to Be Loved" (re-recording of 1955 single)2:22
A4"Jealous Hearted Man"McKinley Morganfield4:23
A5"I Can't Be Satisfied" (re-recording of 1948 single)McKinley Morganfield3:29
B6"The Blues Had a Baby and They Named It Rock & Roll (#2)" (re-recording)McKinley Morganfield, 3:35
B7"Deep Down in Florida"McKinley Morganfield5:24
B8"Crosseyed Cat"McKinley Morganfield6:00
B9"Little Girl"McKinley Morganfield7:07

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.