Introduction
Easy Come, Easy Go: A Fading Format for the King
Elvis Presley’s “Easy Come, Easy Go” isn’t just a song; it’s a chapter in the evolution of both the artist and the music industry itself. Released in 1967, the track arrived alongside a film of the same name, marking Presley’s twenty-third movie.
While the film itself wasn’t a major hit, “Easy Come, Easy Go” carries historical significance. It was released as an Extended Play (EP), a format of vinyl records containing a handful of songs, typically fewer than an album but more than a single. However, by 1967, the EP’s popularity was waning. The rise of the full-length album was gaining momentum, and “Easy Come, Easy Go” ended up being Presley’s last foray into the EP format.
Commercially, the song itself didn’t fare much better. It failed to crack the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a first for Presley in several years. This could be attributed to the changing musical landscape. Rock and Roll was undergoing a transformation, with bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones leading the charge. Presley’s brand of rock, heavily influenced by earlier styles, wasn’t resonating with audiences in the same way.
Despite its lack of commercial success, “Easy Come, Easy Go” offers a glimpse into Presley’s career at a pivotal moment. It represents the end of an era for the EP format and hints at the stylistic shifts that would challenge Presley’s dominance in the music world. Yet, the song’s catchy melody and Presley’s signature charm endure, offering a nostalgic reminder of the King’s influence on popular music.