Three Dog Night’s Mama Told Me Not To Come / It Ain’t Easy – A Rock Gem That Still Barks Loud
Alright, let’s get one thing straight: Three Dog Night wasn’t just another band riding the classic rock gravy train in 1970. No, they were more like the rowdy mutts at the party—loud, unforgettable, and somehow always stealing your chips. Released under Stateside Records (because France apparently wanted a slice of this American pie), their album Mama Told Me Not To Come / It Ain’t Easy is still barking up the right tree after all these years.
First off, can we talk about that title? “Mama Told Me Not To Come” sounds like something you’d hear from your overly cautious aunt who thinks every disco is secretly a cult meeting. But trust me, mama clearly didn’t know what she was talking about here. The track kicks off with an energy so high it could power a small city—or at least keep you awake during Monday morning traffic. Randy Newman wrote it, but Three Dog Night made it theirs, turning it into a rollicking anthem for anyone who ever ignored good advice. And honestly? Who hasn’t?
Then there’s “It Ain’t Easy.” Oh man, where do I even start? This tune hits harder than a hangover on New Year’s Day. Produced by Chuck, Cory, Danny, and Richard Podolor (yes, FOUR producers—like making a sandwich required four chefs), the song has this bluesy grit that sticks to your soul like gum on a hot sidewalk. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded why life really ain’t easy—but hey, neither is carrying groceries up three flights of stairs. Something about the raw vocals and punchy instrumentation just screams authenticity without trying too hard. You feel me?
The whole vibe of the album feels like a late-night diner chat over greasy fries and bad coffee. Sure, some tracks might not hit as hard as others, but when they nail it, boy do they nail it. Plus, knowing the credits include a squad of producers gives it that extra layer of “we’re figuring this out together” charm. Like, did they argue over which track should go first? Did someone spill soda on the mixing board? These are the kinds of questions that make albums like this feel alive.
Looking back now, it’s wild how timeless this record feels. Maybe it’s because ignoring mom’s warnings never goes out of style. Or maybe it’s because sometimes life truly ain’t easy—and music like this reminds us we’re not alone in the struggle. Either way, if you haven’t given this puppy a spin yet, what are you waiting for? Your turntable isn’t gonna play itself!
Oh, and fun fact: rumor has it the band got their name from an Indigenous Australian phrase about sleeping next to dogs to stay warm. So yeah, technically this review should’ve been written by a kangaroo. Food for thought.
