Still Hard Times
David "Fathead" Newman · 1982
32 min · 6 tracks · jazz
Soulful saxophone melodies intertwine with bluesy rhythms, evoking a sense of longing and resilience throughout the album.
Top tracks — play these first
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One for My Baby — This track stands out due to Newman's emotive saxophone performance, capturing the essence of heartbreak and longing inherent in the lyrics.
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Still Hard Times — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of struggle and perseverance, featuring a compelling melody that resonates deeply with listeners.
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Please Send Me Someone to Love — Newman's rendition brings a soulful depth to this classic, showcasing his ability to convey emotion through both instrument and interpretation.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends soulful melodies and bluesy rhythms, showcasing Newman's saxophone skills within a cohesive structure.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between the saxophone and the rhythm section, enhancing the conversational quality of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady melodic flow throughout
- soulful saxophone for reflection
- poignant themes of love
- for evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced excitement
- seek instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1982, Still Hard Times marked David 'Fathead' Newman's return to the jazz scene after a decade of collaboration with prominent artists like Ray Charles. This album came after his previous release, 1976's The Gift, and showcased his growth as a bandleader and composer during a vibrant period for jazz.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Cannonball Adderley· Stan Getz· John Coltrane
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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One for My Baby
A poignant moment where the narrative shifts from nostalgia to a direct plea for connection.
This shift enhances the song's emotional weight, moving from reflective sadness to an urgent desire for companionship.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Shana 5:00
- 2 Blisters 5:12
- 3 One for My Baby 5:58
- 4 To Love Again 4:58
- 5 Still Hard Times 6:03
- 6 Please Send Me Someone to Love 5:48
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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