Although Ian Thomas couldn't come up with anything as memorable as "Painted Ladies" for his next album, he did better himself as a songwriter. Long Long Way includes three of Thomas' strongest tunes with the anti-violence-themed title track, the rocksteady "Makin' It Hard," and "Mother Earth," which is an obvious ode to the environment. All of these songs were played on Canadian radio, but none of them managed to keep Thomas in the spotlight or put his name back on the American charts. What they did do was expose the fact that Thomas was writing for himself and expressing his opinions on matters that he felt were important, and all that was needed was some punchy music to accompany his pop/rock sentiments. Songs like "Tidal Wave," "It's Over," and "For Knowing You" hinted at a genuine honesty, but they didn't exude any distinction or stylishness in a musical sense. Thomas wouldn't see another Top 40 hit in his own country until 1976, when "Liars" climbed to the number 34 spot.