The Hard Way is the fourth studio album by Steve Earle, released in 1990.

[15] The album was produced by Joe Hardy and Earle.

[16] The Los Angeles Times noted the Springsteen influence, writing that the album contains "no fewer than two racing-in-the-streets songs and no fewer than two Death Row laments.

"[17] Lone Star Music Magazine wrote that "although it’s admittedly over-long at just under an hour and burdened with even more of a hair-metal production aesthetic than Copperhead Road, it’s loaded with genuinely great songs.

"[18] The Dallas Observer called "Billy Austin" "storytelling at its stark, bleakest best.