With a name like Rhiannon, it seems inevitable that you would get drawn toward music and with "Easy Ain't Right", Rhiannon Paige demonstrates plenty to suggest that this is the right move.
The song opens mainly with Rhiannon singing to some simple piano chords, the minimal backing provides very little room for Rhiannon to hide, and this instantly draws the listener to her voice, which has a certain vulnerability about it that makes you want to hear more. There is some electronica providing some additional sound which stays the right side of unobtrusive, As Rhiannon levels with us
"I've always been afraid to show my true colours
That resonate with how I feel"
There then follows Rhiannon pondering over a series of questions, pertinent ones if previous relationships have perhaps proved to have not worked out well
"Is it easier to have a heavy mind than to hold the load upon your heart?
Is it easier to fall apart than to settle for the things that broke you?
Is it easier to say goodbye than to say hello to something true"
before reaching the hopeful conclusion
"I've been thinking to myself saying easy ain't right for you"
The second verse is punctuated by some additional electric guitar flourishes, to add to the overall atmosphere.and we again find Rhiannon tortured by doubt
"I'm too ashamed to let you in, in fear of you running away with my heart
I've been broken one too many times, to go back and make the same mistakes again
So it's (not) easier to close my heart, then to open vulnerability to you
It's (not ) easier to walk away than to stick around for something true"
The "not"'s in the above section were added late in the recording process, personally I'd have left them out as it would make a better lyrical contrast however as Rhiannon points out "it was a way of conveying the confusion as the song progresses, especially as it enters the bridge" .
If there's one element of the song that we have reservations about it is the arrival of the full band, the drums and guitar lack the inventiveness that has been on display throughout the single, rather than emphasising the drama that is happening in the lyrics they actually distract. which is a shame as Rhiannon is at her most open and honest pouring her heart out.
"I shut you out and then I want you back
I break your heart and then you break mine
I'd kill my heart inside to have more time"
As soon as the additional band sound fades, all of the drama from earlier returns as Rhiannon completes the above section with
"With you - to show you how much I love you"
Another explosion of sound follows towards the end that we have similar misgivings about as it once more obscures rather than enhances the major denouement of the song. There's no denying that Rhiannon's vocals far outshine the backing and display a level of confidence in leading from the front against the rocking band.
"I don't wanna loose the only thing in my life, that I am living for
I'm sorry that I made you feel anything less than beautiful"
The song ends with Rhiannon observing "Love ain't easy"