Stevie Wonder’s “It’s Easier”: Digging Into the Vault Gold From the Songs in the Key of Life Era

Let’s be honest: if you love classic soul, R&B, or just transcendent pop songwriting, few things get the heart racing quite like hearing the phrase “unreleased Stevie Wonder vault tracks”

Fifty years after he changed the landscape of modern music with his 1976 masterwork, Songs in the Key of Life, Stevie has gone back into the archives. To celebrate the monumental milestone of that landmark double album, Motown and Universal Music Enterprises dropped Songs In The Key Of Life: The EP, a four-track collection of pristine, never-before-heard recordings straight from his mid-70s creative peak.

Among the jewels on this release, the standout track “It’s Easier” has taken center stage. It’s a masterclass in groove, blending whimsical storytelling with the effortless pop-soul architecture that only Stevie Wonder could pull off.

If you haven’t spun it yet, or if you’re wondering how an outtake from fifty years ago manages to sound fresher than most music dropping today, let’s unpack why “It’s Easier” is the talk of the music world.

What’s the Story Behind Songs in the Key of Life: The EP?

When an artist creates an album as massive and definitive as Songs in the Key of Life, fans naturally assume that everything recorded during those sessions eventually saw the light of day. But Stevie’s creative output during the mid-to-late 1970s was practically infinite. He was living in the studio, constantly writing, experimenting, and recording with his inner circle of world-class musicians.

Instead of throwing together a bloated reissue packed with half-baked demos, Stevie curated four complete, top-tier tracks for this anniversary EP:

• “It’s Easier”

• “My Life Story Of Love” (co-written with Susaye Greene)

• “I Can See The Sun In Late December” (a stunning cut fans might recognize from its later life via Roberta Flack)

• “I’m Into Livin'”

Meticulously mixed by original recording engineers like Gary O. Adante alongside a modern engineering team, these songs retain their authentic 1970s warmth while popping out of modern speakers with crystalline clarity.

Breaking Down “It’s Easier”: Sound, Vibe, and Lyrics

From the first few bars, “It’s Easier” pulls you right back into the golden era of Stevie’s classic period (think the smooth pocket of Innervisions meeting the breezy sophistication of Songs in the Key of Life).

Musically, the track features Stevie handling lead and background vocals, Fender Rhodes, drums, percussion, and drum machine programming. He’s joined by legendary bassist Nathan Watts—whose unmistakable pocket locks the groove down tight—and electric guitarist Michael Sembello, weaving intricate textures throughout.

Lyrically, Stevie balances heartbreak with his signature wit. The track kicks off with a brilliant scenario about seeking unconventional help for a broken heart:

“I went to see a love physician / Recommended to me by a good friend / Who said that his serum made him well / I told him of my broken heart / And how love had torn my world apart…”

It’s theatrical, deeply human, and utterly charming. Then comes the chorus—an earworm hook that stays in your head long after the track fades out:

“Tell you, it’s easier to say, ‘Love, bye-bye’ / Than to go around with a heart that wants to cry.”

Even though the subject matter deals with the painful reality of walking away from a toxic or failing relationship, Stevie refuses to let it drag the listener down. The rhythm is buoyant, the vocal delivery is playful yet soulful, and the backing harmonies wrap around you like a warm vintage jacket.

Why “It’s Easier” Deserves a Spot on Your Playlist Today

You might wonder: if this song was recorded back in the 70s, why should modern music fans care about it now?

1. A Masterclass in Songwriting Craft: Modern pop often chases quick hooks, but “It’s Easier” reminds us how deep arrangement, chord progression, and storytelling used to anchor a pop song. It flows naturally from verse to pre-chorus to a soaring hook without ever feeling rushed.

2. The Ultimate Rhythm Section Synergy: Hearing Stevie’s drum programming and percussion mesh with Nathan Watts’ bass is a clinic for any aspiring musician or producer on how to build a pocket that breathes.

3. Pure Nostalgia with No Expiration Date: Great music doesn’t age, and “It’s Easier” sounds like discovering a long-lost painting by a master artist. It bridges the gap between classic soul purists and Gen-Z listeners discovering analog instrumentation for the first time.

How to Listen

Songs In The Key Of Life: The EP is available now across all major streaming platforms. Whether you’re pulling it up on Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube, make sure you put on a good pair of headphones to catch all the subtle Rhodes piano flourishes and bass slides hiding in the mix.