Jordan Davis Talks Life and New Album, Learn The Hard Way

Jordan Davis is striking a powerful chord this summer with the release of his long-awaited third studio album, Learn The Hard Way. Produced by longtime collaborator Paul DiGiovanni, the 17-track project builds on the momentum of Davis’s chart-topping success, following his platinum-certified debut Home State and the critically acclaimed Bluebird Days. The album features the title track and previously released songs like “I Ain’t Sayin’,” “Bar None,” and “In Case You Missed It.” His song, "Bar None" is already climbing the charts.

Already teased with fan-favorite singles, the album promises to deliver the emotional storytelling fans have come to expect—wrapped in Davis’s signature blend of country-pop. Adding to the excitement are two standout collaborations: a heartfelt duet with Carly Pearce on “Mess with Missing You” and a soulful feature with Marcus King on “Louisiana Stick.”

In an sit-down with Fort Nash, Davis opened up about life as a father of four, his musical influences, and the personal journey that shaped this record. “I wanted to show influences and not just talk about them,” says the ACM Award winner for Song of the Year. He credits artists like John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, and especially Bob Seger as key inspirations during the creative process.

This album marks a deeply personal chapter in Davis’s life, coinciding with the recent arrival of his fourth child with wife Kristen Davis. The challenges of balancing a thriving career and growing family are not lost on him. “Balance for me has always been something I've struggled with. You want to play a show and be a good dad,” Davis admits.

Despite the demands, Davis says he’s grateful to have a strong support system in fellow country artists—and fellow dads—Thomas Rhett, Tyler Hubbard, and Russell Dickerson.

He even jokes about how close he is with Rhett: “I talk to Thomas quite a bit and it's never about music... Thomas is my therapist.” Both stars are known for their heartfelt lyrics and big, beautiful families. When asked about their shared status as fathers of four, Davis laughed, “This is Thomas’s game to win because we are OUT!” Sounds like there will not be any additions to the Davis family.

With his Ain’t Enough Road Tour kicking off this fall and a deeply personal, musically rich album in hand, Learn the Hard Way is poised to be one of the year’s most talked-about country releases.