It Ain't Easy
Chris Smither · 1984
39 min · 14 tracks · traditional folk music
A blend of traditional folk and blues infused with intricate guitar work and reflective storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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It Ain't Easy — This title track encapsulates the album's themes of struggle and resilience through Smither's soulful delivery and clever lyricism, making it a cornerstone of his discography.
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Once in a Very Blue Moon — The song features rich imagery and emotional depth, showcasing Smither's ability to weave personal narratives into universal experiences.
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Sittin' on Top of the World — A vivid retelling of classic blues themes, this track highlights Smither's adept guitar work paired with a lively rhythm that brings the album to life.
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John Hurt Medley — This medley pays homage to the influential blues guitarist John Hurt, blending tribute with Smither’s own style, emphasizing his roots in traditional American music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and skilled guitar work, contributing to its solid standing in folk music.
What we noticed
- Several songs incorporate traditional folk structures, often using storytelling lyrics that reflect personal and social themes.
- The title track is positioned second in the running order, creating an early highlight that sets a reflective tone for the rest of the album.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo storytelling
- intricate guitar work appreciation
- heartfelt vocals for reflection
- easygoing afternoon listening
- engaging narratives in order
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By 1984, Chris Smither had established himself as a respected figure in the folk music scene, following his previous albums like 'Leave the Light On' from 1972. 'It Ain't Easy' was his fifth studio album, showcasing his matured songwriting and guitar skills after a decade of performing and recording.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Prine· Leo Kottke· Richard Thompson
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Footloose 3:28
- 2 It Ain't Easy 3:16
- 3 John Hurt Medley 2:51
- 4 No Money Down 2:50
- 5 Green Rocky Road 3:33
- 6 Guilty 2:15
- 7 Maybelline 2:27
- 8 Rosalie 3:23
- 9 One Plus One 1:51
- 10 Ninety Nineyear Blues 2:30
- 11 Glory of Love 1:42
- 12 Sittin' on Top of the World 3:13
- 13 Once in a Very Blue Moon 2:45
- 14 So Long, Harry Truman 3:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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