Twenty-three years after his debut album Musicforthemorningafter propelled Pete Yorn to critical acclaim, The Hard Way finds Yorn reflective and comfortable, with laid-back tunes about married life and the trials of touring. “I can’t compete with who I used to be,” he sings on the title track. The album celebrates Yorn’s raspy vocal range and the guitar-driven melodies that came to define early Aughts pop-rock, sinking into his softer side. Ever a dynamic performer, Yorn’s set lists trace every chapter of his cohesive and charismatic career, with a wink for fans from any era. – Caroline Drew