What makes How Hard It Is by Big Brother and the Holding Company notable?

How Hard It Is received mixed reviews upon release but showcased the band's attempt to maintain relevance in the evolving rock landscape of the early '70s. The album features tracks that were notable for blending rock with funk and blues elements, reflecting the diverse influences shaping the era's music scene. Released in January 1971, How Hard It Is was Big Brother and the Holding Company's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed debut with Janis Joplin. This album marked a transitional phase as the band sought to redefine their sound after Joplin's departure, navigating their identity as a band without their iconic frontwoman.

Who is How Hard It Is for?

How Hard It Is works well if you're into introspective lyrics with energy, brief tracks for quick bursts and playful grooves for group enjoyment.

How many songs are on How Hard It Is?

How Hard It Is has 10 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

How Hard It Is

Big Brother and the Holding Company · 1971

37 min · 10 tracks · hard rock

A raw blend of hard rock grit and psychedelic flourishes, echoing the tumult of early '70s America.

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Top tracks — play these first

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How Hard It Is — The title track encapsulates the band's struggle with identity post-Joplin, merging poignant lyrics with a driving rock rhythm that captures their sonic evolution.
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You’ve Been Talkin’ Bout Me, Baby — This track showcases a gritty vocal performance layered over a funk-infused rock backdrop, highlighting the band's adaptability in a changing musical landscape.
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Buried Alive in the Blues — With its haunting melodies and bluesy undertones, this song reflects the band's roots while veering into more experimental territory, illustrating their willingness to innovate.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

introspective lyrics with energy
brief tracks for quick bursts
playful grooves for group enjoyment
cathartic moments in the middle
late-night reflective listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, sprawling albums
need consistent high-energy pace

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1971, How Hard It Is was Big Brother and the Holding Company's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed debut with Janis Joplin. This album marked a transitional phase as the band sought to redefine their sound after Joplin's departure, navigating their identity as a band without their iconic frontwoman.
Stylistic neighbors: Janis Joplin· The Doors· Cream

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 How Hard It Is 4:21
2 You’ve Been Talkin’ Bout Me, Baby 3:28
3 House on Fire 3:57
4 Black Widow Spider 3:33
5 Last Band on Side One 1:58
6 Nu Boogaloo Jam 3:25
7 Maui 3:27
8 Shine On 5:26
9 Buried Alive in the Blues 3:59
10 Promise Her Anything but Give Her Arpeggio 3:55

What to play next

Listen next

Cheaper Thrills

1983

Go back to

Be a Brother

1970

Full Big Brother and the Holding Company discography Artists like Big Brother and the Holding Company

hard rock psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata