When you think of classic albums, England Dan & John Ford Coley’s Some Things Don't Come Easy probably doesn’t spring to mind, but this 1978 release, their sixth studio album, is a musical masterpiece that showcases the duo's extraordinary musical skills. With a mix of soft rock, pop, and country, the 11 tunes featured present a delightful listening experience that captures the essence of the music scene in the 70s.
Speaking of capturing the soul of a recording, Some Things Don't Come Easy was recorded, mixed, and mastered with kid gloves. While the album has never been remastered, to my knowledge, the lossless Apple Music stream is simply magnificent. It’s flawless and thoroughly enjoyable and I wouldn’t want a single aspect to be changed; well perhaps a slight recess in the brass elements on songs such as Calling For You Again. Nevertheless, your thoughts may differ, but the stream is one of those examples whereby there is plenty of latitude that allows for the tweaking to one’s tastes via EQ settings.
Some Things Don’t Come Easy is an exceptional opening ballad that showcases the duo's vocal range and emotional depth. It sets the tone for the entire album and is worthy of the title track. The song's lyrics express the difficulty and pain of love, one we can all relate to, thereby, creating a poignant and touching listening experience.
If The World Ran Out Of Love is a sensational followup to Some Things Don’t Come Easy as the slow ballad, easy listening, style is acoustically marvellous. It’s one of those songs that you’ll likely find yourself pausing, in awe, for the soundstage that emanates is intoxicating. There is little doubt in my mind that If The World Ran Out Of Love is one of the greatest hidden gems of the 70s.
You Can’t Dance is an upbeat number that shifts the tempo of the album. With its catchy pop-rock melody that is accentuated by the duo's trademark harmonies, and backing vocals, there’ll be fans of You Can’t Dance. I’m not one of them as I feel it is too far removed from the other songs on the album, but Some Things Don't Come Easy wouldn’t be the same without this tune.
Who’s Lonely Now features a beautiful and melancholic melody, perfectly complemented by the duo's soulful harmonies. It’s a standout track that reminds me somewhat of the overarching style on Crosby, Stills & Nash’s CSN, but that is a compliment as I adore that album. If nothing else, Who’s Lonely Now will resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of a broken heart; that’s all of us, right?
Hold Me features a beautiful and soulful melody that makes it one of the best songs on the album and one of the greatest that England Dan & John Ford Coley ever recorded; magnificent!
We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again is a trademark tune and for good reason, as it appeals to those of us who appreciate touching and sentimental ballads. The ability for one to connect with the music they love is incredibly powerful and while some will lament the cliché aspect of love songs, there is no denying that they’re timeless.
Lovin’ Somebody On A Rainy Night has an Eagles’ feel to it that perfectly suits Dan and Coley’s style. I wouldn’t, however, consider it the strongest song on the album as it’s more filler than standout and you’re subsequently unlikely to seek it out, outside of the album format.
Beyond The Tears returns us to a gentle and melancholic melody that I feel is better suited to the duo as it permits them to do what they do best; convey deep emotions and vulnerability through their music.
Calling For You Again is a shock to the senses following the laidback style of Beyond The Tears. Nevertheless, once the addition of the brass component has settled down in my mind, Calling For You Again is a solid energetic tune. The only quibble I have is that I feel the saxophone element could have been dialled back a little as I find it to be too forward in the mix.
Wanting You Desperately is a heartfelt and emotional tune with soulful harmonies and lush instrumentation that creates a powerful and emotional atmosphere.
Just The Two Of Us is one of the most beautiful and romantic ballads you’re ever likely to come across. It’s also the perfect closer as it encourages contemplation and the thought of playing the album again. Its simple yet effective arrangement, along with the duo's tender harmonies, creates a warm and intimate atmosphere that further showcases the duo’s ability to convey heartfelt sentiment and genuine emotion through their music.
Overall, Some Things Don't Come Easy is one of those albums that is tragically overlooked for its beautiful melodies, insightful lyrics, and impeccable vocal harmonies ensure this album remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners to this day.