It Don't Come Easy cover

It Don't Come Easy

Ringo Starr · 1971

5 min · 2 tracks · pop music

A breezy blend of rock and pop infused with Ringo's signature warmth and storytelling charm.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    It Don’t Come Easy — This title track is notable for its upbeat melody and relatable lyrics about perseverance, encapsulating Ringo's approachable songwriting style.
  • →
    Early 1970 — This track reflects on personal experiences and offers insight into Ringo's life after The Beatles, with an introspective tone that contrasts the album's more playful moments.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

45 /100
Lowland
Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

Ringo's transition to solo work is evident, with catchy melodies but less depth than his Beatles material.

What we noticed

  • The title track features a steady mid-tempo groove with prominent piano and guitar, creating an uplifting feel throughout.
  • Ringo's vocal delivery is conversational and warm, emphasizing the storytelling aspect of the lyrics.
  • The second track, 'Early 1970', contrasts with a more reflective tone, featuring a stripped-down arrangement that highlights Ringo's voice.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — It marked Ringo's significant solo success post-Beatles, reaching number four on charts.
Themes
post-Beatles identity· optimistic resilience· personal reflection
Career context
In 1971, Ringo Starr was transitioning from being a member of The Beatles to establishing his solo career. 'It Don't Come Easy' marked one of his first major solo singles following the band's breakup, showcasing his ability to create catchy pop-rock tunes while still holding onto the essence of his Beatles roots.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 It Don’t Come Easy 3:02
  • 2 Early 1970 2:18

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata