"The Way It Is" is a debut album by American musician Bruce Hornsby and the Range. Released in 1986, the album introduced Bruce Hornsby's smooth, piano-driven jazz sound to the music scene. The album was an instant commercial success, reaching number 3 on the Billboard 200 charts in the United States and being certified triple platinum by the RIAA.
The album is perhaps the most famous for its title track, "The Way It Is." The song topped the American music charts and was noted for its socially conscious lyrics, which dealt with themes of social inequality and racism. It is still widely considered as Hornsby's signature song. Other notable singles from the album include "Mandolin Rain" and "Every Little Kiss," both of which also secured positions in the top 20 Billboard charts.
As for its musical style, "The Way It Is" showcases a mix of rock, folk, jazz, and pop, setting the tone for Hornsby's diverse and eclectic sound in his subsequent work. The album received critical acclaim for its poignant lyrics, fluid melodies, and Hornsby's distinguished piano playing. Besides earning him commercial success, the album also won Hornsby the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1987.
All songs on the album were written by Bruce Hornsby and his brother John Hornsby, adding a personal touch to the layered and multi-genre compositions. The album continues to be a definitive work in Hornsby's catalog and has cemented the musician's status as a talented singer-songwriter and pianist.
