Introduction and Short Summary of the Song
“That’s Just Too Much” is a lively and rhythm-driven track recorded by The Everly Brothers for their 1960 album It’s Everly Time. Written by Lee Hazelwood and Donnie Owens, the song is one of the standout upbeat numbers on the record, contrasting with the more melancholic ballads like “Sleepless Nights” or “So Sad (To Watch Good Love Go Bad).” With its witty lyrics, playful tone, and driving rhythm, the track highlights the Everlys’ ability to handle lighthearted material with as much skill as they brought to their heartbreaking ballads. The song reflects themes of frustration in love but couches them in humor, making it both catchy and relatable.
Origins of the Song
The song was written by Lee Hazelwood, who would later become famous for his collaborations with Nancy Sinatra, and Donnie Owens. At the time, Hazelwood was an emerging songwriter, contributing to the pool of material available to popular artists of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
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When The Everly Brothers recorded “That’s Just Too Much,” they were at the peak of their creative output and transitioning into their Warner Bros. period, where they would balance chart-topping singles with critically acclaimed albums. It’s Everly Time (1960) was their first album for Warner Bros., and it showcased their range by mixing ballads, traditional country-leaning songs, and upbeat pop-rock numbers like this one.
Why The Everly Brothers Released “That’s Just Too Much”
The Everly Brothers released “That’s Just Too Much” to maintain the balance of moods on It’s Everly Time. While songs of heartbreak and devotion defined much of their catalog, they also needed upbeat tracks that showcased humor, wit, and energy.
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The song allowed them to appeal to their younger fans who loved fun, danceable tunes, while also showing off their knack for interpreting material written by newer songwriters like Hazelwood. It was a strategic choice to broaden their sound and keep their albums dynamic.
The Message Conveyed in the Song
The message of “That’s Just Too Much” centers on playful exasperation in love.
Key themes include:
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Romantic Frustration: The narrator expresses irritation with a partner’s behavior, claiming it is simply “too much.”
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Humor in Relationships: The tone is light, highlighting how even conflict in love can be expressed with wit and charm.
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Relatability: The lyrics capture everyday quarrels and frustrations, making the song easy for audiences to connect with.
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Balance of Love and Irritation: Beneath the humor, the song reflects the ups and downs of relationships, acknowledging that love often comes with challenges.
The Everly Brothers’ delivery turns what could be a simple complaint into an engaging and entertaining performance.
The Recording and Musical Characteristics
Musically, “That’s Just Too Much” stands out for its energy and rhythm.
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Vocals: Don and Phil’s harmonies are sharp and playful, matching the tongue-in-cheek tone of the lyrics. Their tight blend adds polish to the song’s cheeky message.
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Instrumentation: The track features lively guitar work, steady rhythm, and a quick tempo that makes it feel like a rockabilly-pop hybrid.
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Mood: Upbeat, humorous, and energetic.
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Style: A fusion of early rock and roll with country influences, demonstrating the Everlys’ trademark genre-blending approach.
The arrangement is simple but effective, designed to highlight the humor of the lyrics while keeping the song catchy and fun.
Cultural and Commercial Impact
Commercially, “That’s Just Too Much” was not released as a single and therefore did not chart. However, within the context of It’s Everly Time, it provided necessary energy and contrast, helping the album earn acclaim as one of the duo’s best works.
Culturally, the track reinforced the Everlys’ versatility. At a time when they were known primarily for bittersweet ballads and teen-oriented love songs, this upbeat and humorous number showed their range and willingness to explore different moods. It also demonstrated their ability to take songs from outside writers and make them uniquely their own through interpretation and harmony.
Legacy of “That’s Just Too Much”
Today, “That’s Just Too Much” is remembered as one of the delightful deep cuts from It’s Everly Time. While it never achieved the fame of singles like “Cathy’s Clown” or “All I Have to Do Is Dream,” it remains a favorite for fans who appreciate the lighter side of the Everlys’ catalog.
For their legacy, the song highlights how The Everly Brothers balanced heartfelt ballads with energetic, playful material. It underscores their ability to connect with audiences not just through sadness and longing, but also through humor and charm.
More broadly, “That’s Just Too Much” continues to resonate because it captures a universal truth about love: relationships are often complicated, frustrating, and funny all at once. The Everlys’ ability to wrap those emotions in an upbeat, catchy performance makes the song timeless.
Decades later, the track stands as a reminder that the Everly Brothers were not confined to a single mood or style. “That’s Just Too Much” shows that their artistry extended to the humorous and playful sides of love, adding to the richness and diversity of their enduring catalog.