Raunchier than Gladys Knight, smoother than Etta James and deserving of worldwide recognition. Not one bad track on the album...Hillary thank you for recording this album. There are far too few female blues/soul singers, and you are helping to redress the imbalance. This is the perfect gift to buy ANYONE for their birthday, anniversary, Christmas, or just because you want to buy someone something! Fantastic arrangements, full-bodied band, strong yet emotional vocals, the type of music that satisfies all the senses! To get a really satisfying music-fix... I recommend you listen to Hillary often! Georgina Reed - Presenter: FM99.3 Community Radio, Sydney Australia. www.fm993.com.au \"It\'s a pleasure to play music for people who find music a pleasure\".

I went searching on cdbaby.com for something cool, new, exciting and independent, not some over-produced garbage that commercial radio stations and big record companies these days have so much to answer for. And I found exactly what I was looking for. No easy way by Hillary Smith is one of the finest cd's I have heard, from start to finish. From the first down beat you can feel that oh so familiar drum groove of the legendary Clyde Stubblefield and despite the title, Ms Smith seems to glide effortlessly from track to track. Whether it's hard hitting funk like "love come down" or sweet soulful blues like "Let love go" Ms Smith does it with style The very exsitence of this CD is a beautiful thing with Ms Smith boasting the most amazing, versatile and tastful voice at this moment in time it would have been sad to not have it on record. Ok Aretha, you've had your turn, and we've appreciated every single moment of it, but it's now time to pass the flame on to next runner in the worlds greatest soul/funk singer relay. For anyone contemplating buying this album my advice is simple. Buy it and but it quick because I'm sure they will not last. Lastly, thank you to the beautiful Ms Hillary Smith, to everyone involved in this CD and to cdbaby.com for being the link between us the consumer and fantastic undiscovered talent.

"No Easy Way" is a high-end, professional CD featuring one of this country's most soulful singers, Hillary Smith. This production clearly demonstrates her many faceted vocal styles, accompanied by a mind-blowing band and a killer horn section. The arrangements are slick, and unpretentious Hillary is blessed with the gifts of effortless phrasing, tender inflections that barely glide across her vocal chords and then hits you with a strong, heartfelt interpretation. The energy of this organization is inspiring. I felt like I went to church!

Great vocals. Hip Grooves, arrangments and horns. A winner.