When Roy Orbison let loose with “Crying,” in 1961, the oldest Boomers were 15-years old– hormonal driven kids –when we fell in love, it was into a swoon, and when we hit a wall, it felt like the end of it all. There was a lot of emotion.
Todays teens still swoon and hearts still break, and “Not Easy” by Alex da Kid is the latest rendering that turns a miserable breakup into great music, a downer topic for such a wonderful song… so smooth, and mellow, rhythmic and hypnotic, like you might feel after having your heart broken.
“Not Easy” is the exact opposite of Roy Orbison’s tear-your-hair-out operatics in “Crying.” “Not Easy” is a lament, limping along with its broken heart, without the energy for an emotional catharsis.
I feel weird l gushing over a song by Alex Da Kid –is it even age appropriate to know this stuff? Plus his song features THREE guests artists, names most Boomers are not familiar with: X Ambassadors,Elle King and Wiz Khalifa.
“Not Easy” is ageless. The refrain is
It’s not easy
No, it’s not easy
It’s not easy breaking your heart
A simple sentiment, heavy with emotion and truth.
Who is Alex Da Kid? Even though he’s not a household name (yet) he’s a mega-successful record producer who has worked with a diverse roster of singers, and has gotten nominated several times for a Grammy.
Lives in L.A., but he’s from London.
34-years old.
Real name: Alexander Grant.