DownTown Mystic, a US roots rock band, starts the year off with a bang by announcing the release of "Hard Enough (Remix)". This gritty, groove-driven single combines the attitude of classic rock with a sharp modern edge. The Orchard/Sony Music is releasing the song worldwide. It is the first song from the upcoming On E Street Remix project, and it has a rich history.
Max Weinberg and Garry Tallent, both in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, play the unmistakable rhythm section on the remix. They are from Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. Weinberg, who is affectionately known as Mighty Max, locks into a groove that channels Charlie Watts's steady, no-frills pulse. This gives the song a loose, Rolling Stones-style swing. Tallent's answer has a strong bass line that reminds me of the drive behind Ramrod. It gives the song a sense of heartland grit and forward motion. The result is a remix that feels both old and new. The swagger of the Stones meets the muscle of E Street, making a sound polished, street-smart, and ready for radio. Robert Allen, the writer and producer of DownTown Mystic, went back to Shorefire Studios with engineer Joe DeMaio, where the tracks were first recorded, to give the mix a new look and feel for a new audience. The remix gives the performance new life by adding new layers while keeping the original session's sound.
"Hard Enough (Remix)" has lyrics that are very relevant to today's culture. They show how modern women are boldly showing off their presence on TikTok and Instagram. It's a sharp, observational look at things wrapped in rock 'n' roll cool. It's timely without trying too hard and playful without losing its edge.