LEARN THE HARD WAY

November 1, 2025

Jordan Davis
Sound Recording Labor Agreement

With big-name features and a nod to his roots, critics say singer-songwriter Jordan Davis’ Learn the Hard Way proves he’s not just staying in the game, he’s evolving with purpose.

The writing of “Good Gone Bad” was a pivotal moment in his creative process, Davis says. A track that features bluesy slide guitar and a deep groove, it was born out of the frustration of trying to write another hit. “When I wrote ‘Good Gone Bad,’ I knew I was going in a new direction,” he says. “It was the first time in a while that I didn’t feel the pressure to write what people expected. I wrote this song the way I wanted to play it, not thinking about what would come next.”

On “Louisiana Stick,” Davis teams up with guitarist Marcus King for a collaboration that reflects his Louisiana roots. “I’ve always loved Marcus’ music, and when I had the idea for ‘Louisiana Stick,’ I wanted it to have that kind of feel.” The track “Turn This Truck Around” was inspired by one of his influences, Tom Petty, as the inspiration behind the song, saying “[His] music always had a driving, four-on-the-floor feel.”

Davis experiments with sound, moving away from programmed production in favor of a more stripped-back, live-in-the-studio approach. He leans into personal experiences in tracks like the poignant “Mess with Missing You.” On the track, “In Case You Missed It,” he offers a glimpse into the small town life he left behind.

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