Jordan Davis is a country wild card, zigging where others often zag and sticking to his musical roots regardless of what sounds are dominating country radio. The Shreveport, Louisiana-born singer-songwriter continues that streak on this third full-length, which follows his 2023 album Bluebird Days, a project that spawned four No. 1 country hits. Produced by Paul DiGiovanni, Learn the Hard Way splits the difference between the quieter, more introspective bent of Bluebird Days and the poppier sound of Davis’ debut Home State, offering a fuller sense of his musical ambitions. Highlights on Learn the Hard Way include “Bar None,” a melodic, soulful account of moving on from heartbreak, and “Jesus Wouldn’t Do,” an introspective ballad about owning imperfection and loving one’s neighbor. Davis taps a couple of friends to join him on the outing, too, with acclaimed singer-songwriter Carly Pearce lending her voice to the heartfelt duet “Mess with Missing You” and blues-rock guitar slinger Marcus King contributing to the funky, swampy “Louisiana Stick,” which pays tribute to Davis’ home state.