The World Famous Ultimate Twang: Bobby Bare "Hard Time Hungrys" Classic Album Review

The powerful title cut opens this collection, and ranks as one of the album’s strongest tracks. Some would argue that the message is just as relevant, today, as it was at the time of this album’s release. Most of us can, at least somewhat relate to the lyrics, here.

“The Farmer Feeds Us All” also contains a strong message that reminds all who listen exactly where they’re food comes from. Many songs, over the years, have been written concerning the plight of farmers and the American farm, and this one is as good as any I’ve heard.

“Alimony” was the album’s second single (minus the dialogue at the beginning), peaking at eighteen in the Fall of 1975. Decent quality track, though lyrically, I’m sure many can relate. Nice mix of pure country and blues.

“Two For A Dollar” talks about the somewhat sad ending that can be part of an estate auction, selling off memories, so to speak. Perhaps the album’s strongest lyrics, are right here.

The stories of men and women who have been to prison, released, and then eventually wind up back in prison are numerous. While tragic, Bobby Bare uses a little lighter tone, here, on “Back Home In Huntsville Again”. An interesting contrast, too, as the spoken dialogue that immediately precedes the song, is a man who has just such a story. This was the album’s first single, just missing the Country 20 during the late Spring of 1975, peaking at twenty-three.

For side one’s final track, the subject matter switches from that of the convict to that of the unemployed man. Sang by Bobby Bare and the Bare kids, “Daddy’s Been Around The House Too Long” is the tale from the kid’s point of view. Not the album’s strongest track, but decent.

Side two opens with “Warm And Free”, where the tale is about someone (we assume is homeless) and how they get food and rest. An interesting track, though not as strong as some of the other tracks. But not bad. Worth noting that it’s the only track that does not have dialogue at the start.

Next, is a song that had already been around awhile, having been recorded a few years prior by Charley Pride, “Able Bodied Man”. Whereas Pride’s version is a quicker pace, Bobby’s version is slower and bluesier, which I think actually makes the song’s lyrics all the more powerful. A man whose traveling in search of a job and trying to make a better life.

Another light-hearted piece is “$100,000 In Pennies”, telling of a bank robber who pulls off a successful heist, only to find out that he stole $100,000, but all in pennies. Maybe he needed one of those Coinstar machines. Bobby Bare could pull off novelty music as well as anyone, and this is a great example. Pretty amusing track.

Another tale of the homeless with “Bottles And Boxes”. It’s a rather sad tale, yet one that’s been lived out all too many times. Another very effectively written track. Like the whole album, it’s a fine performance, too, by Bobby Bare.

“Truck Driver, Truck Driver” tells of the hitchhiker. Lite-hearted tale of a hitchhiker who is a little on the annoying side. Average track, though kind of fun to hear, occasionally.

The album wraps with a track titled “The Unemployment Line”. Most of this final track is made up of brief tales told by actual unemployed workers. In this song, things are so bad that an ex-President and even God, himself, are in the line. It’s a good end to an album such as this.

Originally released on vinyl, 8-track, and cassette, this album is still available on compact disc, as a “two-fer”, with Bobby’s 1976 album, The Winner And Other Losers. As for used copies, they are relatively numerous, based on my search, most in the $10 to $20 range, though I did see a few under $10.

My Standout Track nod goes to “Alimony”, while the title cut, “Hard Time Hungrys” gets my Hidden Gem nod. As for the Weakest Track, there are two or three that lag a bit behind the others, but still, not necessarily weak tracks. ”Daddy’s Been Around The House Too Long” and “Truck Driver, Truck Driver” aren’t quite as strong, in particular.

Overall, this is an album that is depressing to an extent, but it is made up of quality material, and the dialogue at the beginning of each track helps give that particular cut a deeper perspective of the particular subject matter. Though this album was released in 1975, it’s easy to argue that it’s just as, if not even more relevant for today. Another fine effort from the great Bobby Bare. I rate it a 4 out of 5.

Your thoughts?

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