What makes No Easy Way Out by Robert M. Tepper notable?

The album features the hit title track, which reached number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, securing Tepper's place in mainstream rock. It is notable for its commercial success, with tracks that resonated with listeners navigating personal challenges, enhancing Tepper's profile as a compelling voice in rock music. No Easy Way Out marked Robert M. Tepper's debut album, released shortly after he gained recognition for co-writing 'No Easy Way Out' for the Rocky IV soundtrack. Tepper was transitioning from a songwriter to a solo artist, aiming to carve his own identity in the rock music scene of the mid-1980s.

How many songs are on No Easy Way Out?

No Easy Way Out has 9 tracks, running approximately 38 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

No Easy Way Out

Robert M. Tepper · 1986

38 min · 9 tracks · rock music

A powerful blend of anthemic rock melodies and introspective lyrics, capturing the struggles of love and resilience.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
No Easy Way Out — This track not only serves as the title piece but also encapsulates the album's themes of struggle and determination, showcasing Tepper's emotive vocal delivery.
→
Angel on the City — With its soaring chorus and vivid imagery, this song highlights Tepper's ability to combine storytelling with anthemic rock sound, making it a standout moment on the album.
→
Restless World — This track showcases a more reflective side of Tepper, blending poignant lyrics with a driving melody that underscores the sense of urgency present throughout the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

39 /100

Lowland

Higher than 1% of albums we've rated

The album features solid songwriting and production typical of its era but lacks standout uniqueness.

What we noticed

The album opens with the title track, which features a driving beat and soaring vocals, setting a high-energy tone for the first half.
Several tracks incorporate layered guitar harmonies and prominent keyboard arrangements, creating a rich soundscape typical of 80s rock.
The lyrics often reflect themes of struggle and resilience, with a consistent use of metaphor across multiple songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 4/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 3/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 No Easy Way Out 4:20
2 Angel on the City 4:30
3 Don't Walk Away 4:21
4 Your Love Hurts 4:46
5 Restless World 4:18
6 Hopeless Romantic 3:44
7 Soul Survivor 4:10
8 If That's What You Call Lovin' 4:10
9 Domination 3:52

What to play next

Listen next

Modern Madness

1988

Full Robert M. Tepper discography Artists like Robert M. Tepper

rock music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata