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Hard

by Gang of Four

Released: September 03, 1983

Dance-rock

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Lineup Change.

The Album

This album marked a significant change for the band as it was the first to be released without original drummer Hugo Burnham, who had departed before its recording. Additionally, bassist Dave Allen had already left the band before the previous album, Songs of the Free (1981), so the lineup change continued with Hard. Despite the lineup changes, Hard continued to explore the band's signature blend of post-punk and funk influences.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

"Hard" is the fourth studio album by the…

"Hard" is the fourth studio album by the English post-punk group Gang of Four, originally released in 1983 on Warner Bros.

The album's sound reflects a shift from the…

The album's sound reflects a shift from the band's earlier work, incorporating new influences and production styles.

This reissue provided a comprehensive look at the…

This reissue provided a comprehensive look at the band's work during this era and showcased the evolution of their sound.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Gang of Four - Hard

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Then

Reception

In 2005, Hard was reissued as part of a two-CD package alongside Solid Gold (1981), offering fans a chance to revisit these influential albums with additional content and remastered sound.

Now

Legacy

In 2005, Hard was reissued as part of a two-CD package alongside Solid Gold (1981), offering fans a chance to revisit these influential albums with additional content and remastered sound.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Hard" is the fourth studio album by the English post-punk group Gang of Four, originally released in 1983 on Warner Bros. Records. This album marked a significant change for the band as it was the first to be released without original drummer Hugo Burnham, who had departed before its recording. Additionally, bassist Dave Allen had already left the band before the previous album, Songs of the Free (1981), so the lineup change continued with Hard.

The album's sound reflects a shift from the band's earlier work, incorporating new influences and production styles. Despite the lineup changes, Hard continued to explore the band's signature blend of post-punk and funk influences.

In 2005, Hard was reissued as part of a two-CD package alongside Solid Gold (1981), offering fans a chance to revisit these influential albums with additional content and remastered sound. This reissue provided a comprehensive look at the band's work during this era and showcased the evolution of their sound.