It Ain't Easy - THREE DOG NIGHT****

Woman/Cowboy/It Ain't Easy/Out In The Country/Good Feeling (1957)/Rock & Roll Widow/Mama Told Me (Not To Come)/Your Song/Good Time Living

The American pop-rock group Three Dog Night were at the height of their popularity during the early 1970s. They were largely dismissed by music critics as they did not write their own material. It Ain't Easy includes the US chart topping single Mama Told Me (Not To Come) and the US No. 15 hit Out In The Country. A lot more popular in the States than in Britain, the former track was their only UK hit, peaking at No. 3. (US:8)

"Some of Three Dog Night's best ballads are present here (Out In The Country, Your Song, and Cowboy). I personally think their version of Your Song is superior to Elton's. Mama Told Me of course is a classic. Rock & Roll Widow and Good Feeling (1957) are dubious efforts."

"A good solid effort from the blue eyed soulsters, with some country sounding songs and a bluesy acoustic title song. Good listening here."

"Some good rockin' bluesy pop songs. Woman, Rock & Roll Widow and Mama Told Me are top class. Cowboy is different, and a nice change of mood."

"This album definitely has the trademark late 60s early 70s instrumentation and reminds me of the sounds of psychedelic bands of that era. The songs are all different and there were some of the greatest songwriters and musicians backing them up on this album which gave it an edge. Vocals and harmonies were awesome and true to form. The guitar work is strong but under-rated, but after this length of time it still stands the test of years."

"The best Three Dog Night album without a doubt. I've been listening to this one since it was first released and I've never grown tired of it. I own most of their stuff, and I like it all, but this one has always been the cream of the crop for me. No filler songs at all, just pure groovin' all the way through. Contains their great hit Mama Told Me Not To Come, probably the main draw for most people, but don't stop there. Woman, the title track, Cowboy, Out In The Country and a great cover of Elton John's Your Song make this album a must have. I take this disc to work with me all the time. Timeless rock and roll from one of the best bands to come out of the 60s.”

"I believe this album to be their best. While all their music was superb, the overall quality of this album surpassed the rest."