The Way It Is

by Bruce Hornsby and The Range

The Way It Is cover art

Defined by Hornsby's virtuosic, jazz-inflected piano improvisation set against a commercial rock backdrop, this debut dominated mid-80s radio. The record expertly pairs its polished, highly melodic heartland rock arrangements with sharp, socially conscious lyricism addressing systemic racism and economic inequality.

Genres

  • Piano Rock
  • Heartland Rock
  • Pop Rock

Tracklist

  1. On the Western Skyline
  2. Every Little Kiss
  3. Mandolin Rain
  4. The Long Race
  5. The Way It Is
  6. Down the Road Tonight
  7. The Wild Frontier
  8. The River Runs Low
  9. The Red Plains