“Easy Loving”
Freddie Hart
Written by Freddie Hart
Billboard
#1 (3 weeks)
September 11, 1971
October 2 – October 9, 1971
When looking for an example of a technically weak vocal performance strengthening the impact of a record, the country example is usually “Why Me” by Kris Kristofferson.
I humbly submit “Easy Loving” for similar consideration.
Freddie Hart’s vocal performance here is rough, and it heightens every emotion of the lyric. And that lyric is a bit clunky too, but Hart’s sincerity smooths over all of the rough edges.
It all feels like a 9 to 5er clocking out on Valentine’s Day, picking up a box of chocolate and a card on the way home, an inspiration striking as he writes the message. It’s all so perfectly imperfect and I love every second of it.
“Easy Loving” gets an A.
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It may not seem like a great performance but somehow it is. It just sounds so damn authentic. An easy “A+”. A great arrangement and production.