I'm Not Easy is a studio album by American country artist Billie Jo Spears. It was released in November 1976 via United Artists Records and contained 11 tracks. The disc featured many ballads, along with some uptempo tracks. Of its tracks, two singles were spawned: "Never Did Like Whiskey" and the title track. Both reached top 20 positions on the American country charts between 1976 and 1977. The disc itself charted on the American country albums chart and received mainly positive reviews from music publications. Background, recording and content Billie Jo Spears first had success with 1969's "Mr. Walker, It's All Over", but really broke through in 1975 with the chart-topping "Blanket on the Ground". The song set forth a series of top ten and top 20 singles that Spears had through 1980. The United Artists label would also issue a series of studio albums of Spears's material during the decade, including 1976's I'm Not Easy. The project was recorded in July 1976 at the Jack Clement Recording Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Sessions were produced by Larry Butler. I'm Not Easy consisted of 11 tracks. Several songs on the project were both ballads and cover tunes. This included Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" and two Dottie West covers: "Here Comes My Baby Back Again" and "Every Word I Write". Also featured are covers of Barbara Mandrell's single "That's What Friends Are For" and a song that first appeared on an album by Tammy Wynette titled "Too Far Gone". Original songs on the project included the title track, "Never Did Like Whiskey", "No Other Man" and "Is I Love You That Easy to Say". Release and critical reception I'm Not Easy was released by United Artists Records in October 1976. It was originally distributed as a vinyl LP with five songs on each side of the disc. It was the eleventh studio album of Spears's career. The album received mostly positive reviews from critics and music publications. Billboard magazine commented that "Spears scores an impressive performance" with each track. They also praised the album's production: "Each selection is tackled in a fresh, powerful and heartfelt manner." Cashbox magazine positively commented, "Billie Jo makes each her own distinctive, message, with production by Larry Butler." AllMusic's Greg Adams rated I'm Not Easy four out of five stars. "A lot of big names contributed to this album in one way or another, but in the